30/01/2021

Defending champion Wright edges past Whitlock in high quality thriller

Defending Masters champion Peter Wright has began his campaign in style seeing off Simon Whitlock in a 10-8 victory.

Wright who comes off the back of a poor end to 2020 which saw him in particular bow out of the World Championship to Gabriel Clemens diminished any worries about his form with a 101.5 average and seven 180's in a high quality affair.

A break of throw was the difference between Wright and Whitlock with the latter having darts to send it all the way and performing excellently himself with a 106 average and six 180's but it wasn't enough as Wright moves on to the Quarter-Finals.

Prize money breakdown for the 2021 Masters with £220,000 on offer

To begin the tie, Whitlock headed into the lead with an 84 checkout for an 11-darter to make it 2-1 with Wright in particular not out of the blocks to begin the tie.

He was still winning legs though and held his throw to tie it up at 2-2. At the break, Wright held a 3-2 lead with a 10-darter and went further ahead at 4-2 to back up the break.

Whitlock made it 4-3 after both produced maximums to open throw. But Wright continued to cement his narrow lead by taking out 102 to lead at the break 6-4. Whitlock returned after the break with a 180 and a 56 checkout to go one behind needing a break off the Wright throw.

He missed a dart at double nine to do just that and Wright returned for double four last dart in hand to recement a two leg cushion at 7-5.

It was Wright's chance for a break again himself but he squandered two darts and Whitlock stepped in to pin double eight and trail 7-6.

A sixth 180 and a fourth in the last four legs for Whitlock followed and he left 108 after just nine darts to break. But he missed double 16 and another chance which allowed Wright a chance to go 8-6 ahead which he took.

A brilliant 66 checkout from Whitlock once again cut it to a leg. But a brilliant double four last dart again saw Wright go one away at 9-7 with yet another hold.

A 162 set up shot left Whitlock first to a finish and he had time to hit double seven to make it 9-8. Either Wright wins through a hold or he breaks to take it all the way.

Whitlock began with back-to-back 140's and he followed it up with a stunning 177 to leave 44 with Wright sat on 161.

'Snakebite' couldn't get a shot and Whitlock returned but missed two darts to send it all the way. Wright returned with a clutch double 16 for a 64 checkout to win through.