James Wade and Simon Whitlock are both still in contention to win the Ladbrokes World Championship after reaching the quarter-finals at the Alexandra Palace.

The MODUS pair both progressed from the last sixteen on Thursday to boost their chances of becoming World Champion in 2012.

Wade is the tournament’s most consistent player, having lost just one set en route to the last eight. He put on another solid display to defeat Steve Farmer 4-0, setting up a quarter final clash with John Part.  The Machine has looked comfortable throughout the championship, and victory over the former World Champion would take him within touching distance of a seventh major title.

Whitlock produced a stunning last set to halt a brave comeback effort from Michael van Gerwen. The Wizard had led three nil before the Dutchman managed to get level. The Australian then won all three legs in the decider to progress to the next round, where he faces Premier League winner Gary Anderson. Whitlock hit twelve 180s and posted a finishing success rate of over forty percent in his last 16 victory. He is statistically the best performer in the tournament.

Paul Nicholson exited the competition at the last 16 stage, despite producing a moment of class when he hit a sensational 170 finish. He lost to Belgian number one Kim Huybrechts.

Wade will play Part in the second match of Friday afternoon’s session, whilst Whitlock takes on Anderson to kick off the evening session.

www.modusdarts.tv will provide updates and reports throughout the day.

By Chris Murphy

Simon Whitlock believes things are coming together nicely in his pursuit of the Ladbrokes World Championship title, after another brilliant performance saw him progress to quarter-finals.

The Wizard cruised through the first two rounds, despite trying to recover from a broken ankle, but it wasn’t all plain sailing in his victory over Michael van Gerwen.

Whitlock said: “I feel pretty good about my overall performance but I was lucky to go three nil up. Michael played brilliantly to come back and I had to hit some big shots to win the match.”

The world number five hammered in twelve 180’s and posted another quality success rate on his doubles to book his place in the last eight, but the ‘beard to be feared’ is not feeling the pressure of being the tournament’s star player.

He said: “I don’t really feel like there is any pressure on me because of my injury, even though I don’t feel it when I’m playing. I felt like a came alive in that game. In the first round I was sort of just playing from memory and posted a really good average, but I didn’t feel like I was there. I felt a bit better in the next match and I’m playing some really good darts now.”

Whitlock set up a potential quarter-final showdown with tournament favourite Gary Anderson, but insists it doesn’t matter who he plays. He said: “I just go up there and play the board and, if I play like I can, I know I can win. I’m feeling good and playing well and looking forward to another good game.”

The Australian was runner-up at the Ally Pally two years ago and believes he has what it takes to go one better this time round. He said: “There are a few things I can improve but I’m happy with the way I’ve been playing. I’ll just take each game as it comes but I’m here to win it and there is no Phil Taylor to stop me this time.”

Whitlock will play his quarter-final tie in the first match of the Friday evening session.

By Chris Murphy