Simon Whitlock has moved past Christian Perez in a 3-2 sets win with Jose de Sousa up next after a tough battle for the former World finalist to begin the 2022/23 PDC World Darts Championship.
Whitlock played Perez at the Grand Slam of Darts but was given a real test by the Asian Champion with four 180's and an 85 average for the latter in defeat while 'The Wizard' hit three 180's and an 87 average in falling over the line.
Whitlock broke with a 45 checkout to go one away from the opening set. He missed set darts and opened the door for Perez but 82 was missed and ‘The Wizard’ hit double four to take it.
Perez got his first leg on the board on double eight. A 112 checkout saw Whitlock level up and he had darts for a second set but allowed Perez to break and the Filipino hit double 10 for the set.
Whitlock missed a dart for the break of throw to go one away from 2-0 in sets and Perez held on double eight. But Whitlock hit double four to go 2-1 up.
A 180 and 48 saw Perez send it all the way. He started Whitlock’s throw with a 180 and 140. He missed 98 for the set but Whitlock couldn’t make a dent in 127.
Perez though missed three straight at double 12 and Whitlock stole the set. Perez hit 117 on double 20 to lead in the fourth set with a hold.
Whitlock missed 68 for a hold himself and Perez hit 67 for 2-0 and he was throwing for 2-2 in sets. An 88 checkout saw Perez seal it and send it all the way.
A 73 checkout from Whitlock saw him open the decider with the lead. Perez levelled up on double 20. Whitlock missed the chance to go one away and seven in all and handed Perez chance after chance but ‘The Wizard’ finally getting it. Whitlock had two match darts but returned to finally hit double four.
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