Baxter took leads of 4-1 and 7-4 against the Australian, but almost allowed Whitlock to grab a draw when he missed ten match darts before finally nailing double ten for the win.

He made an explosive start to kick off the match with a 180, and won the opening leg in 11 darts before double ten for a 13-darter put him two legs up.

Double eight for a break of throw got Whitlock off the mark, but Baxter produced back-to-back 15-dart finishes on double ten in moving three legs clear.

Whitlock produced finishes of 74 and 76 in taking the next two to pull back to 4-3, but was denied a chance to level as Baxter fired in a 177 and double top to lead 5-3.

The Australian missed the bullseye to take the ninth leg as double 16 gave Baxter a three-leg cushion, although Whitlock hit the same bed to win the next.

The pair traded 180s in leg 11, with Baxter taking out double five with his third dart to secure a 7-4 cushion and ensure he would avoid defeat.

Whitlock battled back with a 180 in the next, and stepped in after Baxter missed two darts at double 16 for victory to land double five and stay in the game.

Baxter then missed seven match darts in leg 13, as double top from Whitlock ensured a decider - but it was the Englishman who prevailed with a 14-darter against the throw to seal victory.