Simon Whitlock has secured a place in the last 16 of the World Darts Championship in London with a comfortable win over Jarkko Komula on Sunday.

The victory from Australia’s world No.4 sets up a clash with Englishman Kevin `The Artist’ Painter on Friday for a place in the quarter-finals.

Whitlock overcame a slow opening to blow away Finland’s Komula 4-0, dropping only five legs in the process.

“The only way was up after the slow start,” said Whitlock on his website.

“Once I got in front, I played well and I think I controlled the match. Anyone from this side of the draw could get to the final so I hope to make my experience pay.”

The Wizard took the game’s first set 3-1 before coming from 2-0 down to win the third.

He then stepped up the pace claiming the third set with a trio of 13-dart finishes, and held his nerve to seal victory in the fourth.

Whitlock is looking forward to the clash with Painter.

“Kevin and I have had some great battles so it should be a good match after Christmas and all of my focus will be on that,” he said.

Painter progressed to the round of 16 with a 4-0 victory over another Australian, Paul Nicholson.