THE LAKESIDE WORLD PROFESSIONAL

Simon started the match but it was Andy who started best. An excellent 16 dart leg from "The Viking" gave him the first break. Andy continued with 3 x 140 and set up D16 after 12 darts. Only two darts were required to extend Andy's lead to 2 legs to nil. Leg three saw Simon get into the match. with a 17 darter with Andy well behind. Both players threw some wayward darts in leg four but a 180 from Simon put Andy under pressure. Andy narrowly missed a 116 checkout to see Simon check out from 119 to level the set. Simon threw confidently in leg five and again outscored Andy leaving D8 after 12 darts. He used all three darts, but took the leg and the first set.

Scoring was even in the first leg of set two until Simon hit a 180 to leave tops. He took out the double first dart for a 13 darter and the lead in the set. Andy was not finding the trebles while Simon was hitting them at will. D16 gave Simon his fifth consecutive leg and "The Viking" was in trouble. A late 180 gave him hope but he missed a 30 checkout. Simon missed from 90 then Andy failed from D2. Simon made no mistake on his next visit and took the second set with a D5 checkout.

Simon started set three with a maximum but several loose darts gave Andy a chance, and after losing sex legs in a row he finally found a double to take the lead in the set. Andy started leg two with a maximum and followed it with a 140. A 12 dart leg saw take a solid grip on the second set. But Simon was not about to give up his lead without a fight and a 14 darter reduced the arrears. Andy was now throwing with more authority and was down to 66 after 12 darts. He missed his checkout twice and Simon levelled the set with D10. Simon was throwing for the match and he started with a 140. scoring was even and both players missed chances but it was Simon who found D4 for a well deserved victory.

SETS: 3-2 3-0 3-2 AVERAGES: WHITLOCK 30.71 FORDHAM 29.09