SIMON WHITLOCK powered past Michael van Gerwen 6-1 to win Saturday^s Speedy Services UK Open Qualifier Five in Wigan.
The Australian produced some superb darts as he picked up the £6,000 first prize in the fifth of eight qualifying tournaments for professionals to win places in June^s UK Open Televised Finals in Bolton.
Following early wins over Josh Payne and Terry Temple, the European Champion edged out Mark Walsh 6-5 to reach the last 16, producing a ten-darter in the deciding leg after his opponent had come from 5-1 down to level.
Whitlock then saw off Canada^s Ken MacNeil 6-2 before finding himself 5-1 down against Ian White in the quarter-finals, hitting back to edge through to the last four before claiming a 6-4 win over Peter Wright.
He punished a string of missed doubles at the start of the final by taking the opening four legs without reply, as the young Dutchman missed a total of 11 darts at doubles before winning the fifth leg with a 13-darter which featured two 180s.
However, Whitlock finished double 16 to reply with a 14-darter as he moved 5-1 up before landing a third 180 of the game and tops to seal the victory.
"This is one of the best wins I^ve ever had - I^m absolutely thrilled to bits," said an elated Whitlock. "I had a bit of luck earlier on but I played really well in the final and I^m over the moon.
"At 5-1 down against Ian White you don^t expect to win, but I somehow pulled one out of the bag and got there. You need a little bit of luck sometimes and I got that today, and I just rode with it.
"I played solid darts in the final and I was very composed, and I was on a mission to win today."
