Whitlock reflects on 'Aussie legacy' ahead of 20th World Championship

Simon Whitlock

Australian legend Simon Whitlock will reach a significant milestone when he takes to the Alexandra Palace stage on Saturday.

Whitlock, a runner-up at the 2009/10 World Championship, will take on Christian Perez of the Philippines in the first round of this year's tournament for the right to face Jose de Sousa in round two.

Ahead of his 20th World Championship appearance, Whitlock took a moment to reflect on his darting legacy.

"I'm proud of myself to have played in so many World Championships and I'm proud of what I've achieved in my career," said Whitlock.

"I like to think I've played a part in putting Australia on the darting map.

"Hopefully my legacy will be many other Aussies coming and have a go at trying to outdo what I've achieved, just as Damon [Heta] has."

"Winning the World Cup was the highlight of my career, I'll never forget it.

"I love playing for my country, I've always felt that I have to play my best game when representing Australia."

Simon Whitlock, Damon Heta
Whitlock and Heta brought the World Cup title to Australia for the first time in June


Whitlock, 53, will embark on his 15th consecutive year on the PDC circuit in 2013 but insists he has no plans to retire any time soon.

"I don't have any plans to retire but the body is starting to tell me otherwise," Whitlock joked.

"I still just love playing darts, I'm constantly playing whether it be on the tour or in local competitions.

"As long as I've got a Tour Card, I'll keep going or even one day when I fall off the tour I will probably still keep playing in one form or another.

"No matter what happens in the future, I've had a great career; anything further now would be a bonus."

The 2012 European Champion has failed to make it beyond the last 16 stage since his run to the semi-finals of the 2013/14 event but insists anything is possible despite an injury concern.

"I know I can still beat any player on my day," Whitlock added.

"My form has been up and down coming into Ally Pally. I've been struggling with bursitis, which has made things a bit uncomfortable around my heel area," Whitlock revealed.

"But when you're injured your expectations aren't as high and you feel a bit more relaxed, we'll see what happens."

The Cazoo World Darts Championship is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).

Saturday December 17
Afternoon Session (1100 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round

Martin Lukeman v Nobuhiro Yamamoto (R1)
Simon Whitlock v Christian Perez (R1)
Adam Gawlas v Richie Burnett (R1)
Daryl Gurney v Alan Soutar (R2)

Evening Session (2000 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round

Ryan Meikle v Lisa Ashton (R1)
Cameron Menzies v Diogo Portela (R1)
Josh Rock v Jose Justicia (R1)
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Rodriguez/Ilagan (R2)