SIMON WHITLOCK 5 v TED HANKEY 0

Millennium champ Ted Hankey was the latest big name casualty, whitewashed by Wizard of Oz Simon Whitlock 5-0. It was spellbinding hour-long show from the 38-year-old Aussie who ruthlessly punished The Count’s lack-lustre performance.

For the second time this week seventh seed Hankey was upset by sections of the crowd, which seemed to affect his concentration, while his opponent remained passive and focused. For Whitlock - who averaged 31.57 - his eight-month-old son Locke is proving to be a lucky mascot this week.

Whitlock made the best start possible taking the opening set 3-0 and then sneaked the second 3-2, as Hankey struggled to settle. He then added the next 3-1 as Hankey seemed preoccupied with disruptive fans, the cool Aussie concentrating on his play, rather than what was happening in the crowd. The Aussie led 2-1 in the fourth but then missed double 16 for a 4-0 interval lead, Hankey producing a set-saving double 10. But it was shortlived, The Wizard conjuring up double 17 in the next leg for a commanding match lead. Boosted by a 12-darter and 180 he took the opening leg of the fifth set against the throw and then added the next after Hankey squandered chances for double 10 and double five.

Both players hit 180 in what was to be the final game of the match, The
Count missing his favourite double tops for a 160 match-saving checkout, Whitlock
swooping to bury him with double tops.


 

 
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