Whitlock's hopes of World Matchplay spot ended by Wilson as Bunting battles back in Woodhouse win

Simon Whitlock will not play at this year's World Matchplay after an unlikely defeat on Friday evening at the European Darts Matchplay.

Whitlock's hopes hung in the balance ahead of the cut off and James Wilson was the one to extinguish them.

'Jammy Dodger' sealed a 6-2 win over 'The Wizard' with his trademark scoring proving to be the difference hitting three 180's in victory.

He reeled off four legs on the spin from 2-2 started off by a superb 100 checkout to make it 3-2 with a 12-darter.

An 11-darter followed with an 88 checkout to put Wilson firmly in control before ironically his last two legs were won in less clinical fashion in 17 and 23 darts.

Finally through on Friday night was Stephen Bunting who also reeled off multiple legs on the bounce to win through.

But his was a reverse in a 6-3 win over Luke Woodhouse, with the latter also seeing his World Matchplay hopes come to an end.

He came from 3-1 down to defeat 'Woody' and seal his spot in the second round with five consecutive legs. Sealing it with a 101 checkout, this featured a 93 average and 40% on the checkouts.

Not only a 101 checkout but also a 130 sprinkled in there from 'The Bullet' in a clinical display in the end.