Michael van Gerwen will not claim an elusive third World Matchplay title after losing in an emphatic defeat to Simon Whitlock 11-4.
Whitlock before tonight had 15 consecutive losses to the World Number One so in a night of 50/50 matches was low on the pecking order in terms of potential wins; but produced an exceptional 11-4 win.
This included six 180's and a 98.7 average; as he sets up a Quarter-Final clash against Gary Anderson next up as well as blowing the tournament wide open.
Van Gerwen's start was the catalyst for this display from Whitlock; he stormed into a 5-0 lead with the former averaging around the 75 mark and only bringing it up to 88 before the break.
Always though there is an inevitability about Van Gerwen's play; especially against a player whom he has a great streak over.
He produced back-to-back legs to get off and running and reduce the deficit to 5-2; but Whitlock continued to add legs to make the task even more difficult for Mighty Mike.
At the break, the four leg cushion was restored at 7-3 and Whitlock was soon 9-4 up and one away after three more misses which put MVG's total down at 19% on the doubles, this was increased further with 20 missed darts at double which allowed the Aussie to streak to a remarkable win.
Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the tournament bracket, TV coverage and prize money breakdown.
Schedule World Matchplay 2020
Tuesday July 21
First Round
Nathan Aspinall (93.54) 5-10 (98.42) Dimitri van den Bergh
Second Round
Michael Smith (94.99) 14-12 (91.7) Mensur Suljovic
Gary Anderson (92.91) 11-8 (93.96) James Wade
Michael van Gerwen (90.8) 4-11 (98.11) Simon Whitlock
Gabriel Clemens v Krzysztof Ratajski
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