SIMON WHITLOCK 8 – 6 Adrian Lewis

Simon Whitlock clinched second place in the McCoy’s Premier League after a brilliant fight back in Newcastle, which eliminated World Champion Adrian Lewis, ahead of next week’s Play-Offs.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

‘The Wizard’, who trailed 5-2 at one point, produced some brilliant darts, including five 180’s and two ton-plus finishes, on his way to an 8-6 triumph at the Metro Radio Arena.

“When I was 5-2 down it took a lot of bottle to come back,” said Whitlock.  “It’s very important to finish second because nobody really wants to play Phil Taylor in the semi-final.

“The McCoy’s Premier League this year has been the hardest ever so I am delighted to be part of, and very proud to be in the semi-finals. The next step is to win it.”

Lewis held his throw in the opening leg and ‘The Wizard’ responded in style, hitting his first 180 before taking out 92.

Whitlock missed double 16 for a 112 checkout in attempt to break the throw, allowing ‘Jackpot’ to regain the lead.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

The Australian ace slotted in his second maximum in leg four, but Lewis hit the bullseye to double his advantage.

Lewis held his throw again to go 4-1 up, before ‘The Wizard’ took out a brilliant 130 finish on the bull to pull a leg back before break.

Lewis restored his three leg lead with an 81 checkout in the seventh leg, and looked set to win the eighth before Whitlock rescued it by hitting his third 180, followed by a two dart 77 checkout.

That proved to be a real turning point in the match, as the world number six grabbed a crucial break back to reduce Lewis’ lead to 5-4.

‘The Wizard’ then restored parity, hitting his fourth maximum in the process, before ‘Jackpot’ hit double top to edge back in front.

Whitlock’s fifth maximum helped him on his way to clinching the twelfth leg, before grabbing a break of throw with a magnificent 140 checkout.

That stunning finish meant Whitlock would take at least a point off the World Champion, confirming a second place finish in the league, but ‘The Wizard’ wasn’t finished there and claimed the victory on double 16.

By Chris Murphy

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld are gearing up for a shoot-out in the race for the McCoy’s Premier League semi-finals, as the league stage of the tournament concludes in Newcastle on Thursday Night.

The pair clash in an all-MODUS affair at the Metro Radio Arena, with a place in next week’s Play-Offs at stake.

Wade currently occupies the final Play-Off place but is tied on points with ‘Barney’.

Third placed Adrian Lewis also has twelve points, while Kevin Painter and Andy Hamilton, who also meet in Newcastle, are just a point behind, meaning five players are competing for two available places.

Photo: Lawerence Lustig/PDC

A win for either ‘The Machine’ or van Barneveld would seal qualification, but a draw would leave their fates in the hands of other results.

“I don’t want to be relying on anybody else, and my aim is to beat Raymond to make sure I’m in the top four,” said 2009 champion Wade.

“It’s exciting that everything we’ve played for in the last three months is coming down to the final league game, and I’m looking forward to playing Raymond.”

Van Barneveld said: “It is exciting and I’ll be giving it my very best. I’m still in the competition but the leg difference could be important and I’m on -11, compared to -6 for James. It’s not always easy to play James. He’s always good against me and I’ve got my hands full.”

Simon Whitlock has already booked his semi-final place at London’s 02 next Thursday. ‘The Wizard’ wants to make sure he stays in second place with a win against Lewis.

He said: “I want to finish has high in the table as possible. It doesn’t really matter whether it’s second or third in terms of the Play-Offs, but I want to finish second and I’ll be going out to win.”

The other match of the night sees top meet bottom as Phil Taylor, who has already qualified, takes on last year’s winner Gary Anderson, who cannot reach the Play-Offs.

By Chris Murphy

League Table

Permutations for MODUS players

Simon Whitlock – Qualified, and needs a point in Newcastle to secure second place.

James Wade – Must win to be sure of Play-Off place, but would still qualify with a draw if Lewis is beaten OR if Hamilton v Painter is a draw.

Raymond van Barneveld – Must win to be sure of Play-Off place, but would still qualify with a draw if Lewis is beaten AND Hamilton v Painter is a draw.

See Simon Whitlock, James Wade and Raymond van Barneveld in action in Weston-Super-Mare on Saturday 2nd June.