Defending champion Simon Whitlock nearly became a fourth member
of the World’s elite to exit the event at the second round stage, but
when his opponent Mark Webster missed darts to move 4-1 in front the
Australian ace took full advantage, securing the next five legs and a
6-3 victory.
Photo: Mike Glover/UK Darts Magazine
Dave Chisnall then became the third top-ten player to exit the
tournament at the second round stage, falling victim to an impressive
display by Shropshire-based David Pallett, who landed four 180s on his
way to a 6-3 victory.
Michael van Gerwen’s campaign for a third European Tour title of the
season continued well as he defeated Ross Smith 6-3 to progress to
the third round. The Dutchman was joined by Michael Barnard, who
produced a fine display to defeat former Player’s Champion Kevin
Painter 6-4.
James Wade topped the 100 average mark as he defeated Daryl Gurney
6-1 and Jarkko Komula of Finland claimed victory over Paul Nicholson
by the same scoreline, the pair setting up a third round clash.
There were 6-4 victories for Mervyn King and Wes Newton, who
overcame Colin Lloyd and Ronny Huybrechts respectively.
There was some success for the Huybrechts family as Kim came from
5-2 down to defeat Wayne Jones 6-5 and the Belgian was joined in the
third round by Michael Mansell who defeated Gino Vos 6-2.
Ronnie Baxter and Brendan Dolan were both made to work hard for
their second round victories, with both men claiming 6-5 wins over Ian
White and Gary Anderson respectively.
The third round line-up was completed by Jamie Caven and Mark Cox,
who both needed deciding legs to secure victories over Joe Cullen and
Campbell Jackson respectively.
Third Round
Jamie Caven too booked a quarter final spot, with the Derby-based
thrower defeating Swindon’s Mark Cox 6-4 to set up a clash with
Whitlock.
Michael van Gerwen brushed aside Michael Barnard 6-1, in the process
setting up a potentially thrilling quarter final with Wes Newton who
averaged over 100 for the third time in the tournament as he defeated
Mervyn King 6-4.
The in-form duo of Kim Huybrechts and Peter Wright both also claimed
6-4 victories over Michael Mansell and Ronnie Baxter respectively and
were now set to meet in what looked to be another potentially thrilling
quarter final encounter.
Brendan Dolan progressed to the last eight with a 6-2 victory over David
Pallett, where he was joined by Finland’s Jarkko Komula who produced
a shock victory over James Wade to progress.
Photo: PDC/Lawrence Lustig
Australia’s Simon Whitlock kept his title defence on track with a 6-2
victory over Andy Hamilton, with the former European Champion
landing six perfect darts towards a nine-darter on the way to victory.