SIMON Whitlock will make his return to Alexandra palace this Decemner after winning the inaugural Dabble Darts ANZ Premier League in Brisbane on Saturday.
The Australian icon beat Raymond Smith 10-7 in the final at Nissan Arena to pocket the $30,000 prize but more importantly his place at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship next month.
Despite failing to secure a nightly win during the league phase, Whitlock saved his best darts for the decider, producing seven perfect darts in the closing stages to clinch the inaugural title.
The former World Championship runner-up was full of emotion post-match, having missed out on last year’s World Championship which ended a 15-year streak of featuring at Ally Pally.
“It means the world to me,” reflected Whitlock. “This gets me into the World Championship now and that gives me a lifeline to do some other things as well.
“I just want to thank the crowd and all my family that are here tonight. They’ve been amazing.
“It’s been a real struggle. Raymond’s probably been the best player throughout this tournament, but thank God I pulled it out on the night. I had to.
“Just getting back in the World Championship, that’s a lot for me and this means the world just to have a chance to be a World Champion again. I just want to cry, but I’m not going to.”
Whitlock, who qualified for Finals Night in third position, start off proceedings with an 8-3 semi-final win over DartPlayers New Zealand number one Jonny Tata.
The Kiwi made a strong start, but couldn’t maintain that form, as Whitlock pulled away to secure a comfortable win.
Smith, meanwhile, ran out an emphatic 8-2 winner against Tim Pusey in Saturday’s first semi-final.
After losing the opening leg, Smith reeled off seven straight legs before eventually closing out the win with a 86.25 average and two ton-plus finishes of 112 and 120.
However, table-topper Smith admits the better player won on the night.
“Simon just hit clutch shots at the right time,” Smith said. “I felt I was in control of a lot of the legs, but Simon’s backing was just too good. Mine wasn’t as clinical, and I paid the price.
“I don’t think I played well throughout the whole tournament, but I ground out every game. Every game I was there and thereabouts, so I think my best is still to come.
“I’m still on the comeback, so this time next year is going to be a very different game.”
Whitlock’s win means there will be four Australians competing at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, where he will feature alongside his World Cup of Darts partner Damon Heta, DPA number one Joe Comito and ADA Tour winner Pusey.
2025 Dabble Darts ANZ Premier League
Finals Night
Saturday November 22, Nissan Arena, Brisbane
Semi-Finals
Raymond Smith 8-2 Tim Pusey
Simon Whitlock 8-3 Jonny Tata
Final
Simon Whitlock 10-7 Raymond Smith
—–Ends—-
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