Simon Whitlock could have misplaced his PDC Tour Card – however one second sealed his place in darts folklore eternally.
Regardless of a vastly disappointing 2024 season, the Australian stays a fan favorite having reached the finals of each the PDC and BDO World Championship.
5
The 56-year-old, who received the European Championship in 2012, additionally received the World Cup of Darts in 2022 alongside Damon Heta.
Nicknamed ‘The Wizard’, he definitely did not want no spell in vanquishing a fly throughout a now-memorable encounter with Mervyn King in 2020.
Whitlock was on the cusp of a second spherical on the World Grand Prix as he trailed 2-1 on units in a primary to a few shootout.
With the legs degree at 2-2 within the fourth set, a fly hitched itself onto the board as Whitlock regarded to carry throw and power a final-set decider.
Refusing to be distracted by the bug, Whitlock resisted the temptation to redirect his throw as he hit a three-dart century to depart him with a 72 checkout.
Iconic Sky Sports activities commentator Wayne Mardle appeared upset by the New South Wales native’s resolution, as he quipped: “Ought to have gone for it.”
Simply as Mardle mentioned that, Whitlock tentatively approached the fly, and proceeded to delicately squash it – immediately killing it within the course of.
However extremely, and for some unknown motive, he determined to depart it within the single 5 mattress.
Chuckling started to erupt amongst the commentary group, with a shocked Mardle saying: “Simon has killed it and left it on the board.
“Are you able to imagine that? Simon! Simon, come on now!”
5
5
King then proceeded to hit his sixth 180 of the match upon his swift return to the oche.
Laughter then became hysterics after he too determined to let the fly keep rested on the board.
Making an attempt to catch his breath by way of matches of laughter, Mardle then said: “Mervyn has hit a 180… he is left it there, he is left the fly!
“Oh come on, I’ve seen sufficient, I’ve seen sufficient!”
A targeted Whitlock then hit back-to-back single 20s to depart himself with double 16 to take the match right into a fifth set.
And that is precisely what he did at his first try, however that wasn’t the speaking level up within the commentary sales space.
5
5
The late John Gwynne mentioned: “That may be a basic, a basic darting second.”
Earlier than Mardle concluded by saying: “I simply cannot imagine [it].
“What sort of human being leaves it there? After which Mervyn hits a 180 and utterly ignores it… oh expensive.”
The fly would ultimately be faraway from the board for the beginning of the fifth set, which Whitlock would go on to win.
Whitlock could not have gone on to win the event, however that leg will eternally be remembered by darts followers.