McCoy Premier League: The Artist knocks out Aussie ace
Kevin Painter was able to replenish his account of victory after defeating Australian ace Simon Whitlock 8-3 in Belfast at the McCoy Premier League event.
After two consecutive losses against Phil Taylor and Gary Anderson, ‘the Artist’ was looking forward to a breakthrough.
Painter, who is making his debut in the Premier League this season, was able to establish a quick lead by claiming the first three legs at Odyssey Arena.
Once in a leading position, he was easily able to capitalise on the misses made by Whitlock.
After winning the first two legs, Painter, with a superb 14-darter, was able to seal the third with an 86 checkout coupled with a bullseye shot.
Simon bounced in the game by capitalising on the miss made by Painter. He finished double five to reduce arrears with a 3-2 on the score board.
However, the Aussie ace missed the key opportunity of turning the game in his favour when he missed two darts in leg six to level scores.
Painter immediately went for a cover-up by aiming a 180 when he fired a double eight on the dartboard. With Painter 5-2 in the event, Whitlock made yet another attempt of retaliation.
He opened the eighth leg of the game with back-to-back 180’s that helped him claim his third and final leg in the game.
Commenting on the win, Painter said, "I've come into the Premier League, like Andy Hamilton, very much an underdog but I've won two games out of three and I'm doing alright".
He further added that Simon started really well in the game, whereas, he was playing his usual game. It worked well for him as he was able to make some nice shots in the match.
"My finishing has been good ever since I won the Players Championship in Doncaster in December and if I can up my scoring a little bit I can do some damage in this tournament".
Whitlock met his first defeat in the Premier League at the hands of Painter. He has so far been able to perform exceptionally well in the event.
According to experts, Whitlock once back in form, will definitely be able to make his mark in the event.
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