ANDY JENKINS was narrowly beaten by Simon Whitlock at the Wolverhampton Civic this evening.
The bearded Australian continued his impressive start to the tournament to end Jenkins' hopes, three days after the Portsmouth man had defeated Phil Taylor in the round robin phase.
Jenkins eventually paid the price for missed doubles, as Whitlock - who hit six 180s - capitalised to reach the last eight.
Whitlock made an ideal start, with a maximum in the opening leg setting up double 18 to break throw, after Jenkins missed three darts at double 16.
The Australian then took the second in 14 darts with a two-dart 80 checkout only for Jenkins, fired by a 180 in the third leg, to take three in a row and lead.
Whitlock levelled and took out 90 on double 15 to square the game once more at four-all, only for Jenkins to land a maximum in taking the ninth leg.
Double top put Whitlock level again, and he stepped in following two missed doubles to break throw in the 11th and regain the lead.
The next four legs also went against the throw to leave Whitlock 8-7 up, before the pair traded 180s in leg 16, only for five misses from Jenkins to let the Australian off the hook as he hit double four to move a leg away from victory.
Jenkins took out 95 on double 16 to stay in the game, but a 180 to begin the next leg pushed Whitlock clear and he sealed the win on double ten.
"It was one of the toughest games I've ever played," said Whitlock. "I seemed to break throw and then he would break back, but I'm very relieved to win."
Jenkins admitted: "Simon hit some 180s at the right time and a few crucial breaks, and he deserved to win.
"I kept coming back at him but he'd break me. I'm gutted to lose but defeating Phil Taylor was memorable and I've enjoyed the tournament."
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