11/10/2020

Van Duijvenbode into World Grand Prix final as dream run continues with victory over Whitlock

Dirk van Duijvenbode was a 200/1 outsider before a dart was thrown this week and has continued his dream run at the World Grand Prix by making a maiden major final at the Ricoh Arena in Coventry.

Van Duijvenbode saw off Simon Whitlock in as 4-1 sets win with ten 180's to his name as well as just under 40% of finishing doubles throughout the tie.

The Dutchman will now face either Gerwyn Price or Dave Chisnall on Monday evening and already has a confirmed spot at the Grand Slam of Darts and will now have his eyes set firmly on the prize.

Prize money breakdown for the 2020 World Grand Prix with £450,000 on offer

He began the tie with an 89 checkout for the opening leg against Whitlock and after the latter missed a dart at double 18 for a 110 checkout, Van Duijvenbode stepped in to break and make it 2-0.

It was a clean sweep to begin the tie with a 92 average as he made early strides. Whitlock got off the mark in set two after it was the Dutchman's turn to miss three at tops.

Whitlock spent most of the tie trying to slow Van Duijvenbode down but it didn't bother him as he made it 1-1. It did later on as the slower pace helped Whitlock to 1-1 in sets.

Van Duijvenbode started off in the next set with a fourth 180 and double 16 to go ahead. Once more he took a set without reply as Whitlock's average sat at only 76.

'The Titan' hit a 180, 177 and double 16 in a 10-darter to lead in set four and while Whitlock broke, Van Duijvenbode returned straight away to break back. This saw him on his way to a two set lead and within one of a first major final.

This dream was a reality as he landed double eight to double his lead in set five and he concluded it with a 12 darter in a 70 checkout with Whitlock well back.