"I just want to cry" - Emotional Simon Whitlock reacts after securing return to the PDC World Darts Championship

Simon Whitlock has secured a return to the World Darts Championship after winning the inaugural ANZ Premier League on Saturday in Brisbane. The Australian beat Raymond Smith 10–7 in the final at the Nissan Arena, taking home not only the $30,000 top prize but, more importantly, the coveted ticket back to Alexandra Palace.

For the 55-year-old Whitlock, this qualification marks an important turning point in his career. Last year, he missed the World Championship for the first time in fifteen years, bringing to an end his long streak of consecutive appearances at the event. The relief was obvious afterwards. “It means the world to me,” reflected Whitlock. “This gets me into the World Championship now, and that gives me a lifeline to do some other things as well.”

Despite a difficult league phase in which he didn’t win a single night, Whitlock peaked when it mattered. In the final, he showed all his experience, producing seven perfect darts in the closing stages — his best darts of the tournament. “I just want to thank the crowd and all my family who are here tonight. They've been amazing,” he said. “It's been a real struggle. Raymond's probably been the best player throughout this tournament, but thank God I pulled it out on the night. I had to.”

His victory means Whitlock returns to the stage where he reached the final back in 2010. The Australian views his return to the World Championship as a fresh opportunity. “Just getting back in the World Championship, that's a lot for me, and this means the world just to have a chance to be a World Champion again. I want to cry, but I'm not going to.”

Next month, Whitlock heads to London for the biggest event on the darts calendar — a tournament he competed in every year from 2010 to 2024. His performance in Brisbane shows the experienced Australian can still strike at the key moments.