Beat Gazin Glasgow? Si should be so lucky
SIMON WHITLOCK wants to leave Gary Anderson’s head spinning around to set up a London date with Kylie Minogue.
The Wizard of Oz faces the Scotsman on his own stage at Glasgow’s Hydro tomorrow night in the Unibet Premier League.
Whitlock’s hoping to recreate the magic of six years ago when he stormed all the way to the finals at the O2 before losing out Phil Taylor in the shootout.
The 49-year-old, who hit a nine-darter on that night in 2012, is desperate to once again play at his favourite venue where popstar and compatriot Kylie has also drawn the big crowds.
He said: “I love playing at the O2 the most. The first thing I saw when I walked in was a picture of Kylie.
“I thought, ‘That’s pretty cool’. Another Aussie who’s been here!
“The O2 is my favourite venue because it was finals night, that’s what made it so special, and then to hit a nine-darter in front of 10,000 people was amazing. I’ll never forget that.
“In the Premier League there is more pressure, it’s a completely different event to the other ones. The crowds are also different, they are noisier and bigger, it’s a whole new world.”
Whitlock is back in the big time after a couple of barren years where he tumbled down the rankings.
The Aussie never lost his enthusiasm though and added: “I never thought I’d make a living out of darts and I’ve never played for the money believe it or not.
“I love the sport and that’s why I still play in my little local leagues. I just play as much as I can. It’s fantastic to earn a living at something you love doing so much.
“I don’t want to be there to make the numbers up. I want to do my best to try to make the play-offs.
“I’ve had a bad couple of weeks but I’m enjoying the Premier League and it’s looking okay at the moment.”
Facing Anderson on home soil in front of 10,000 passionate Scots is a daunting task even though Whitlock sank the Scot on the same stage during that fabulous 2012 run.
He said: “Every time I’ve played Gary it’s been in Glasgow or Aberdeen.
“The last time I played him I had one match dart and I felt like a little ant on stage. The crowd were so vocal and I felt tiny.
“Gary’s on fire at the moment. I’m scared! I’ve got a poor record against him. I beat him a couple of times last year, one in a final, but he’s a damn fine player.”