Whitlock Semi-Final Clash with Nemesis Looms
After an unlikely series of results unfolded in the final round of the Premier League of Darts on Friday morning, Australian player Simon ‘the Wizard’ Whitlock has found himself staring at a clash against his nemesis Andy ‘the Hammer’ Hamilton.
With a spot in the semi-finals secured, Whitlock refused to take his foot off the pedal and came from behind to beat, and eliminate, world champion Adrian Lewis, guaranteeing himself 2nd place in the process. Proceeding this match Hamilton thrashed Kevin Painter 8-1 to move into 3rd. James Wade then versed Raymond van Barneveld for the remaining spot in the finals. A win for either would move them up into 3rd, while a draw would mean that Wade would hold 4th. A draw was the result, meaning that Hamilton held 3rd and would come up against Whitlock in the semi.
Ever since the pair met in the quarter finals of last year’s World Matchplay, Whitlock has been labelled a choker and has failed to beat Hamilton in any major event. In that match Whitlock got out to a seemingly unassailable 15-8 lead (with the first to 16 winning). From there the Wizard was unable to close out the match, missing doubles, while the Hammer fired and produced a remarkable comeback. Hamilton ended up winning 9 straight legs to take the match 17-15 (must win be two clear legs).
History repeated itself in this year’s World Championship when they played off in the semi-finals. Whitlock came back from 3 sets to 1 down to lead 5-3 (6 to win). Once again the Wizard could not win the game, and Hamilton won the following 3 sets to win 6-5.
That brings up to the Premier League and in the two clashes the results have been a draw and a 8-4 victory to Hamilton.
With this record and a massive monkey on his back, Whitlock would almost rather be playing Phil Taylor first up in the Premier League finals.
As it stands, this is a massive opportunity for the Wizard to rid himself of the Hamilton hoodoo, but will he be able to overcome the demons that have clearly plagued him since that match last year?