Darts Icon Simon Whitlock Delivers Professional Drubbing to His Own Son
In a remarkable display of competitive spirit, darts legend Simon Whitlock has demonstrated that family ties hold no sway on the oche, as he secured two commanding victories over his own son, Mason Whitlock, in consecutive matches during the MODUS Super Series. The Australian stalwart, affectionately known as 'The Wizard', triumphed with scores of 4-1 and 4-0 on back-to-back evenings, showcasing his enduring prowess in the sport.
A Legacy of Excellence and a New Generation
Simon Whitlock stands as one of Australia's most celebrated darts players, with a decorated career that includes winning the World Cup and European Championship titles, as well as reaching the World Championship final in 2010. Although he lost his PDC Tour card at the end of 2024, he continues to compete actively in the MODUS Super Series, a platform that welcomes players without tour cards, providing opportunities for emerging talents like his son Mason.
Mason Whitlock is carving his own path in darts, aiming to emulate his father's legendary success. He has already made significant strides, notably hitting a nine-dart leg in the Super Series in 2024 and participating in PDC Q-School earlier this year, though he narrowly missed out on securing a tour card. Despite the familial connection, Simon approached their matches with a strictly professional mindset, setting aside any personal sentiments to focus on the game.
Professional Detachment in the Practice Room
When questioned about facing his son, the 56-year-old veteran revealed that their interactions were minimal and business-like. He stated, "It was pretty much the same as [with] everyone else. I knew he was there. We didn't talk a lot. He did his own thing and I did my own thing. It was very professional what I did and what he did." This approach underscores the competitive nature of the sport, where even family bonds are secondary to performance on stage.
In the second match, Mason appeared poised to secure a leg when he required 46 points, but Simon ruthlessly closed out the game with a stunning 145 checkout. Reflecting on the moment, Simon admitted, "I knew I had to get it. He had 46 left after nine darts. I thought, 'You've got to get this.' Fortunately, I hit it." This decisive play highlighted the elder Whitlock's experience and clutch performance under pressure.
Praise and Progress Amidst Competition
Despite the one-sided results, Simon heaped praise on Mason's performances, noting clear improvements in his son's game. He expressed, "It was really good [playing against him]. I've been really impressed with him over the last couple of nights, especially tonight. He was very professional, did everything right in the practice room. He was practising more than everyone. He came on the stage and practised again. He then produced some really good darts tonight. I'm extremely proud of him."
Mason remained positive and smiling after their encounters, indicating a healthy respect for the competition and his father's legacy. The matches not only showcased Simon's enduring skill but also highlighted Mason's potential as he continues to develop in the sport, learning from one of its greats.
This family rivalry adds a unique chapter to the Whitlock legacy, blending professional rigor with paternal pride. As both players navigate their careers, their encounters serve as a testament to the dedication and passion required to excel in darts, regardless of personal connections.
