Wizard makes PDC move
Australian star and former Lakeside finalist Simon Whitlock, the 'Wizard of Oz', has joined the ranks of the PDC.
By Paul Higham
Last Updated: 19/03/09 4:21pm
Australian star and former Lakeside finalist Simon Whitlock, the 'Wizard of Oz', has joined the ranks of the PDC.
40-year-old Whitlock is one of the most recognisable stars on the oche with his trademark ponytail and beard, and he will now be seen on the big stage mixing it with the likes of Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld.
Whitlock installed himself as one of the best in Australia when winning the 2002 Oceanic Masters and then going on to play in the PDC World Championship that same year - where he reached the third round in Purfleet.
The Wizard of Oz has since displayed his magic on the Lakeside stage and is a perennial contender, with a final appearance against Mark Webster in 2008 the highlight of his five attempts.
Queensland thrower Whitlock has mixed it with the best on the PDC stage too, reaching the quarter-finals of the Grand Slam of Darts last November, where he was beaten by Taylor.
International success
Whitlock also reached the last four of the International Darts League in both 2005 and 2006, and now he will fight against the PDC stars week in and week out.
"The best players are in the PDC and I want to play against the best all the time," said Whitlock.
"I feel there are more opportunities in the PDC now and I want to better my game, to go to a new level and win major titles.
"I really enjoyed the Grand Slam last year, it's the kind of event I want to be involved in."
Whitlock will return to action Down Under in May in the Dartplayers Australia circuit, in a bid to reach the World Championships, while his PDC challenge will begin at the Las Vegas Desert Classic.
He is also looking into the possibility of moving to the UK full-time this year to improve his game.
