TheOche.com

The stylish Queenslander from Deception Bay faced crowd favourite Wayne Mardle in the opening round at Utrecht?s de Vechtsebanen arena.
The Romford-based Englishman had tasted success on the North American Pro Tour at Atlanta the previous Sunday.

Both players missed chances in a nervy opening leg but Whitlock held and took an early break of throw to set up a good chance of taking the first set. He took the set in style with a 112 finish

His first 180 of the match gave him the impetus for another break of throw at the top of the seond set. He almost made it 2-0 with a 170 finish but fell just short on the bullseye but still took his fifth leg in a row.

A 104 shot gave Mardle a glimmer of hope but another 180 from Whitlock made sure he was well positioned to take the second set.
Whitlock led in the third set but again Mardle rallied and equalised. Mardle then broke for the first time in the match. Whitlock survived set darts from Mardle to break back and level the set.

Despite Whitlock having a dart for the match off 101 Mardle claimed the set with a 14 dart leg.
Mardle continued on the comeback trail winning the opening leg of the next set and despite a 171 from Whitlock doubled his advantage with a break of throw

Mardle wrapped the set up 3-0 to make the match all square at 2-2.
Whitlock was undaunted by the Mardle momentum and took the opening leg of the deciding set and followed immediately with a break to put him a leg away from the match once again.

His fifth 180 of the match gave him a great position and he set up a double twelve off the 144 left. One dart was enough to see him through to the next round.

Read the entire article at Dart Players Australia.