The ‘Wizard of Oz’ Simon Whitlock weathered a Scottish storm from John Henderson last night, securing his place in Round 2 of the World Matchplay.
Two-time semi-finalist Whitlock edged the encounter 10-8, but had to produce darts of the finest order to overcome a 101 average from Henderson.
Simon hit a total of six maximums and two 100+ checkouts and will now face Peter Wright on Wednesday, after Snakebite defeated Vincent van der Voort 10-5.
Daryl Gurney also got his campaign underway in winning ways, defeating Ricky Evans 10-7, rattling in a staggering nine maximums in the process.
Superchin took an early 2-0 lead before pulling away to an 8-4 advantage, Evans then rallied to close the gap to 8-7 with three consecutive legs.
Evans couldn’t sustain the pressure however and Gurney capitalised to win the final two legs, including back-to-back maximums in leg 17.
The other match of the evening saw Keegan Brown defeat Jonny Clayton 10-8. Both men were neck and neck throughout the encounter, but Brown’s superior finishing proved to be the difference.
Brown manages four 100+ checkouts in the match, hitting them at crucial times to stop the momentum of Clayton and book a second round match against Gurney on Wednesday.
Click here for full results from PDC.
Monday July 22
First Round
Keegan Brown 10-8 Jonny Clayton
Simon Whitlock 10-8 John Henderson
Daryl Gurney 10-7 Ricky Evans
Peter Wright 10-5 Vincent van der Voort
