ANZ Premier League: The Guru Dazzles as Aussie Wizard Falls Under His Spell
Raymond Smith emerged as the leader in the ANZ Premier League after securing a 5–3 victory against Simon Whitlock on the second night of competition in Newcastle, New South Wales. This match marked a noteworthy homecoming for Whitlock, known as “The Wizard,” who was performing close to his birthplace, Cessnock.
Match Highlights and Performance
Smith showcased impressive skills throughout the evening. He started with a match against James Bailey, posting a remarkable average of 93.97, the highest of the event. Following this, he easily overcame Ben Robb, who struggled to find his rhythm.
Whitlock’s Journey
Whitlock faced a challenging start, battling against Brody Klinge in a tightly contested first match. Trailing 3–1, he managed to rally and win in a tense last-leg shootout. His subsequent match against Tim Pusey saw a resurgence, as he built an early lead and held off the competition to secure his spot in the final.
Final Match Analysis
The final showdown featured a strong start from Smith, as he quickly took the first two legs. Despite some commendable throws, Whitlock could not find the crucial break needed to regain control. Ultimately, Smith solidified his dominance by winning the match 5–3, propelling him to the top of the league standings.
Upcoming Matches
The next event in the ANZ Premier League will take place in Canberra at the AIS Arena, promising to deliver more exciting darts action.
Quarter-Final Results
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Tim Pusey vs. Jonny Tata | 5-2 |
| Simon Whitlock vs. Brody Klinge | 5-4 |
| Ben Robb vs. Joe Comito | 5-2 |
| Raymond Smith vs. James Bailey | 5-2 |
Semi-Final Results
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Simon Whitlock vs. Tim Pusey | 5-3 |
| Raymond Smith vs. Ben Robb | 5-1 |
Final Results
| Match | Score |
|---|---|
| Raymond Smith vs. Simon Whitlock | 5-3 |
For continuous updates and in-depth coverage of the ANZ Premier League, follow Emegypt’s sports section.
