It was a case of 'Wizard' by name and Wizard bu nature for Simon Whitlock at the Dutch Darts Championship in Zwolle last week.
In Sunday's third round tie against Daniel Larsson, the Australian was cruising at 5-1 up in the best-of-11 contest, when the Swede seemed set to take a leg back by leaving himself 40. But he hadn't banked on Whitlock, who had a shot of 150 first, having one last trick up his sleeve.
The 53-year-old had the confidence to take out bullseye first up, leaving himself 100 in two darts. Normally from there, the top players would attempt a treble 20 and then double top finish.
Not Whitlock though, he then successfully hit 50 again, to the excitement of commentator Paul Nicholson, who shouted: "I knew he was going to try this, do it. Do it now." And to the amazement of spectators, he duly did.
"That has happened before! He's done that to win an Australian ranked event before," said Nicholson, as the crowd roared their approval. Even Larsson was smiling as he moved quickly to congratulate his opponent.
It didn't take long for social media to ignite, with the official PDC Darts account tweeting: "The Wizard produces a moment of darting MAGIC! Simon Whitlock seals a 6-1 success with a ridiculous 150 triple bull finish! OH MY WORD!"
Fellow professional player Matthew Edgar responded with: "Might as well cancel the rest of 2022, nothing is beating that." @screwlabour agreed, writing: "I've seen some things in my life, but wow. This is special."
@Scottjpw added: "Brilliant - and this is why you hit the fat number and take a shot at the bull. When your opponent sends a clear signal that you're not going to take out the big finish you have just improved his odds of taking it out. Quality."
And @JadenChristy2 argued no other darts moment in 2022 will match it: "Simply the best checkout you will ever see. Honestly how has Whitlock managed that. Moment of the year and I doubt much will come closer to beating it. Unreal."
@_olliW meanwhile, joked about the star overshadowing two days of Champions League football, French Open tennis, and gripping F1 action in Monaco. "Simon Whitlock getting 3 bullseyes to checkout is much more impressive than any other sporting event this weekend," he posted.
Unfortunately for Whitlock, a World Championship runner-up in 2010, he ran out of magic in his quarter-final match. The veteran was beaten 6-3 by English player Callan Rydz.
In the end, it was Michael Smith who took the title, following a thrilling final with home favourite Danny Noppert. Smith won 8-7 to claim his fifth European tour title.
