Raymond Smith Defeats Simon Whitlock in ANZ Premier League Night 2 Final Expresses Desire to Improve Despite Victory
The 2025 Dabble Darts ANZ Premier League showcased thrilling competition on Night Two in Newcastle, with Raymond Smith defeating Simon Whitlock 5–3 in the final. This victory allowed Smith to take the lead in the league standings and secure a $2,000 prize. The Queenslander demonstrated focus and skill, especially after his earlier loss to Jonny Tata.
Raymond Smith Secures Top Spot in ANZ Premier League
Smith’s journey to victory began with a match against James Bailey, where he displayed exceptional composure. Despite Bailey’s impressive 164 checkout, Smith finished the match with a strong 140 to advance. In the semi-finals, he faced Ben Robb, winning decisively 5–1 to reach the final against Whitlock.
Simon Whitlock’s Resurgence
Simon Whitlock, a stalwart in Australian darts, also showed remarkable improvement during this event. After a rocky start to the season, he secured his spot in the final following a close match against Brody Klinge. He then triumphed over Tim Pusey 5–3 in the semi-finals.
- Quarter-finals:
- Tim Pusey 5-2 Jonny Tata
- Simon Whitlock 5-4 Brody Klinge
- Ben Robb 5-2 Joe Comito
- Raymond Smith 5-2 James Bailey
- Semi-Finals:
- Simon Whitlock 5-3 Tim Pusey
- Raymond Smith 5-1 Ben Robb
- Final: Raymond Smith 5-3 Simon Whitlock
Current Standings in the ANZ Premier League
After two matches, Smith leads the standings with a three-point advantage over Jonny Tata. Whitlock’s final appearance places him third, just one point behind Tata. The competition remains close, with several players vying for a top position.
The ANZ Premier League continues next week at the AIS Arena in Canberra, where Smith and Whitlock will meet again. This rematch promises to be crucial for both players as they strive for a strong playoff position.
