Second match of the morning in the ‘Just’ 2020 World Indoor Under’s World Championships saw Australia’s young Dale McWhinney stepping out against Keiran Clinton from England. Both players have an impressive list of respective National Titles and were looking to get the last place into tonight’s final showdown.
Into the first set and they settled into the groove almost immediately, good draw shots and fast paced drive shots being played well by both in an exciting start to the match. By end four it was Clinton that was just one shot ahead at 3,4. End five and Clinton played a great shot and picked up a three but then McWhinney showed his form by returning the same count of three in end six, amazingly it was Clinton that then took yet another three in end seven and McWhinney was not to be outdone - with a great show of play he then stole yet another three on end eight - only one shot in it going into end nine. McWhinney was holding set but it was Clinton that just nipped that in the bud, picked up a single to take the first set 9,11
Clinton opened up set two deftly taking the first three ends with a total of four shots but then McWhinney took the next four ends to level the set at four all in end six. Both were playing really well, neither was getting away easily and it was Clinton that took a single in end seven but McWhinny fought on with good draws and massive drives to take the next two ends and second set 6,5.
Into the tie break and still the battle for shots went on but it was Clinton that took the first end. Second end and yet again neither got really on top of each other, McWhinney was set down, drove and moved the jack and it was Clinton that won the battle of the draw to take the second end and match for a place in tonight’s final.