Whitlock was down 2-1 in sets even at one point and he forced a deciding set with a 72 checkout before hitting a 120 and 92 to send it to a deciding leg which he claimed.
'The Wizard' who is a late replacement this week for Adrian Lewis, who tested positive for COVID-19 is confident but treating it as thus as a freeroll due to his place in the tournament not being there before this week.
He will next take on Michael van Gerwen who he defeated at the World Matchplay, but has a poor record against barring that but for the Australian, he has his sights set on the semi-finals now.
"I'm very happy," said Whitlock, the 2017 runner-up. "I'm very relaxed, I'm on a freeroll and we all know what I can do. Hopefully I can go one further than a couple of years ago.
"I enjoyed the game tonight and it had some good moments - and I never gave up. I kept fighting and it was a crazy match - Mervyn is a tough competitor and we always have good games.
"There were good points and bad points and at times we struggled to hit our starting doubles, but to go to the last leg it's a great match. I'm excited, I'm enjoying playing darts and loving life."
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Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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WHITLOCK WINS!
Every set goes the distance but Simon Whitlock finally gets over the line, beating Mervyn King to reach the Quarter-Finals.
The late stand-in has done it again!
#WGP2020