“I’m really happy with that. Ryan’s just come off a big win in the Summer Series, and he’s a class player. We’ve had some ding dong battles over the last couple of years, and it’s good to get one over him,” said Whitlock post match to Online Darts.

He will next take on Michael van Gerwen in Round Two; despite a poor record against the World Number One, the confidence still remains: “If I throw what I throw on the weekend, 100+ averages; I know I’ll give him a game.”

“I’m not scared of Michael. I know he’s the best player on the planet; but I’ll just play my game.”

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