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Simon Whitlock came close to successfully defending his European Championship title but lost out to Adrian Lewis in the final on Sunday.
‘The Wizard’ produced a fantastic run to the tournament decider, defeating Kim Huybrechts and Colin Lloyd before a sensational fightback in his quarter-final.
Whitlock trailed Jamie Caven 9-3 in the last eight but hit back, incredibly taking seven straight legs to seal a 10-9 victory, which he completed with a brilliant 146 finish.
He then saw off Ronny Huybrechts in the semi-finals but ran into a classy display from world number three Lewis, who took the title with a 10-6 victory.
Lewis also ended the hopes of Michael van Gerwen, who bowed out after a brilliant semi-final clash, in which the Dutch star hit nine 180s and took out a 150 finish.
van Gerwen had produced a majestic display in Sunday afternoon’s quarter-final, averaging 105 in his victory over Jelle Klaasen.
Robert Thornton missed out on a place in the last four when he lost a last leg decider against Ronny Huybrechts.
Simon Whitlock and Michael van Gerwen progressed into the semi-finals of the European Darts Championship with sensational victories in Mulheim on Sunday afternoon.
Whitlock produced an amazing comeback fron 9-3 down to defeat Jamie Caven 10-9, winning the deciding leg with a sublime 146 checkout when his opponent was waiting on 56.
“That came from the heart,” said defending champion Whitlock, who will face Ronny Huybrechts this evening.
“I was thinking about when Andy Hamilton did it to me at the World Matchplay a couple of years ago and I just hung in there and weathered the storm.
“Jamie lost his way a bit when I started coming back and I do feel for him but I am the defending champion and I don’t want to let this title go.”
van Gerwen averaged 105 as he defeated Jelle Klaasen with a brilliant performance, which included seven 180s and a 136 finish for the world number two.
“I really wanted to win this game and I’m very happy to have won it,” said van Gerwen, who takes on Adrian Lewis in the last four.
“It was a quality game and I’m very pleased to be through to the semi-finals.
“I’m looking forward to tonight because I know I can play even better than this so hopefully I can keep on improving in this tournament.
“I think I am the favourite but that means nothing and I’ll make sure I’m prepared for a tough opponent.”
Robert Thornton was denied a semi-final spot after losing out in a last leg decider to Huybrechts.
Lewis defeated Andy Hamilton in the afternoon’s other match.
By Chris Murphy
Bronze tickets are still available to see van Gerwen, Whitlock, Wade, van Barneveld, Priestley, Huybrechts and Winstanley at OVER THE TOP in Barnsley on September 27 – GET YOURS HERE
