Simon Whitlock wore the CEL brand on his shirt for the first time in The World Grand Prix in Dublin last night and was involved in a dramatic First Round contest.
Whitlock joined stablemate Rob Thornton (sponsored by our lighting partners Rossini & Plexiform Lighting) in the second round as he claimed victory over Christian Kist in the sudden-death leg of their clash by taking out 108 to claim a last 16 spot.
Kist edged the game’s opening set 3-2 before the Australian ace took the second 3-1 to level, punishing 14 missed opening doubles from the Dutchman in one leg.
Whitlock then opened the deciding set with a 153 checkout, only to see Kist move 2-1 up.
Double 16 from the Australian saved the game and created a one-leg shoot-out in which he landed a 180, and when Kist missed a dart at tops for victory Whitlock stepped in to finish 108 on double 16.
“I was under the pump and I got lucky and hit the 108 finish,” said Whitlock. “It was a great match and I loved it, but I like this tournament.
“It’s a great chance but I look at one match at a time and you can’t look too far ahead otherwise you’re in trouble, so we’ll see what happens in the second round.”
Simon takes on Richard North on Wednesday evening from 7pm live on Sky Sports.