Whitlock delighted after stunning win over Van Gerwen: "I think it's one of my best performances"
PDC
Simon Whitlock produced a brilliant display to end the run of the defending World Grand Prix champion, Michael van Gerwen and reach the semi-finals in Coventry.
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Whitlock who came into the tournament as a last minute replacement followed up his win over Mighty Mike at the World Matchplay in an otherwise torrid record by making it back-to-back wins.
He only afforded him two legs over the three sets and was utterly dominant. As a result, he was delighted speaking afterwards and believes he really showed what he can do.
"I think it's one of my best performances and I'm delighted to be showing people what I can do," said Whitlock. "I was relentless and I didn't let up, and I put Michael under pressure in every single leg.
"It was pretty flawless and there weren't many bad darts there. I'm still on a freeroll but I'm good in this format and I showed my true potential tonight - 90 percent of my practice is doubles so it doesn't surprise me.
"Michael's the best player on the planet and he's number one in the world for a reason. I beat him at the World Matchplay when he wasn't at his best but I thought he played well today and I was that little bit better.
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"There's no pressure on me. I'm on a freeroll and I'm taking my chances, and I feel amazing."
He will next face another player with a big chance in Dirk van Duijvenbode and he believes it will be a great tie after the Dutchman saw off Gary Anderson. He is confident though of continuing his run.
"It's a great opportunity for both of us," added Whitlock. "Dirk's played some great darts to get through so far and I'm definitely not taking him lightly.
"He's just beaten one of the best players in the world, Gary Anderson, so I've got to put him under pressure too and play the best I can against him. I think we will have a great game.
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"I've been in the final before and I'm just going to give everything. I know I can beat any player on my day - I feel as good as anybody, I'm playing probably as well as I ever have."
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
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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