For many lay followers of darts in Australia there is one iconic image that stands out; the distinctive locks of the Wizard at the oche – Simon Whitlock.
Dartplayers Australia are pleased to announce the launch of a new series of events for the 2023 Winmau DPA Pro Tour season which celebrate the World Cup-winning former PDC World Championship finalist Simon Whitlock.
From Friday April 28 to Sunday April 30 2023 the Geelong Greyhound Club at the Beckley Centre, Beckley Park, Corio will see players battling to win The Simon Whitlock Trophy.
The events will see one tournament on Friday and two each on Saturday and Sunday played over a best of nine legs knockout format, and the player with the most ranking points overall at the conclusion of the weekend’s events will be presented with the new trophy. The events will also be part of the Winmau DPA Pro Tour and carry DPA Order of Merit points.
At season’s end, the DPA Pro Tour champion will join Whitlock and World Cup team-mate Damon Heta as an entrant into the World Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace, so there is much to play for!
There is another position on the World Championship stage open in October for both Aussies and Kiwis to play for when the DPA host the Oceanic Masters, an event Whitlock has won previously.
The Whitlock name is held in high esteem in the sporting community of Australia, even AFL players have dressed up as him as part of mad Monday celebrations, and when he made the PDC World Championship final against Phil Taylor his efforts were even put to song by Greg Champion of The Coodabeen Champions.
His story of perseverance is an inspiring one beyond just darts. We all saw his drive in never giving up on his goal of winning a World Cup after losing such a heartbreaking final to England a decade before finally lifting the trophy with Damon Heta in 2022.
This is a great chance to honour a man who has helped bring the game into the mainstream of Australian sport.
Whitlock was very pleased to have his name associated with the event, saying: “I am honoured to be recognised for the achievements I have made over many years carrying the Australian flag on the international darts stage. To have an event and trophy named after me is truly humbling.
“I wish all the players participating for The Simon Whitlock Trophy the best of luck.”
Simon Hall Winmau Marketing Director “ We are hugely excited about the new darts competition named after Simon Whitlock, and run by The DPA.
Simon is the game’s most famous player in Australia and has been a trail blazer for over 20 years. We are looking forward to helping creating a unique darts event that will capture the imagination of players and spectators alike, helping them experience the Winmau brand whilst showing our support for all Australian darts with an event that will be fiercely contested for many years to come”.
These days Whitlock is also helping other players establish themselves at the professional level and hopefully some participants in the tournament that bears his name will be able to tap into his knowledge in future years as they seek to promote their game at the next level in the UK.
“This very weekend another legend of darts in Australia is celebrated as the DPA Pro Tour season begins” commented Kevin Berlyn, DPA Chairman. “The Russell Stewart Trophy being awarded to the top points scorer from Events 1-4 on Saturday and Sunday at the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club.
The field is one of the largest the DPA have had post-Covid and demonstrates the honour with which Rusty is held by the Australian darting community.
Dartplayers Australia look forward to a similar turn out to recognise Simon Whitlock’s achievements and present The Simon Whitlock Trophy in Geelong at the end of April and are proud to honour these two fine ambassadors of Australian darts.”
More details about the event, include timings and registration information, will be provided shortly.
Dartplayers Australia look forward to seeing so many of you over the weekend at the Warilla Bowls and Recreation Club as the 2023 Winmau DPA Pro Tour begins!
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