Darts star Simon Whitlock took to social media after his 20-year-old son Mason hit a blind 180 while playing in the MODUS Super Series. Mason appears to have taken after dad Simon, with the Australian also keen to entertain at the oche.

Whitlock senior has been a familiar face on the PDC Tour for the best part of two decades. Sporting a ponytail and a beard, the 55-year-old sports a distinctive look and is a much-loved darting figure.

But as Simon edges towards the end of his career, Mason could take up the mantle as the next Whitlock star on the darts circuit. The youngster showed his class on Friday afternoon when he hit a blind 180 during a game against Colin Osborne.

The piece of showboating came on Whitlock’s second trip to the oche, when he hit two treble 20s, before completing the 180 visit with a no-look finish. Understandably, it was received well online, not least by dad Simon, who reacted to his son’s achievement with a cheeky three-word response.

Commenting on social media site X, Simon said: “That’s my boy!” while accompanying the message with a darts and laughing face emoji. Unfortunately for Mason, things would quickly change, as he fell behind against Osborne, who went on to record a 4-2 victory.

In fact, the stylish 180 proved to be the highlight of an otherwise dismal day for Whitlock. He lost two of his six Group C matches in week seven of the MODUS Super Series, leaving him a whopping 12 points off leader Osborne.

Regardless, Mason remains confident of following in his dad’s footsteps and one day competing on the PDC Tour. Speaking to MODUS Super Series Darts earlier this week about his goals, he said: “Qualify for the World Youth Championships at the end of the year and then hopefully get my tour card in January. Of course, it would be a dream come true [to play with his dad on the professional tour]. I know I can do it.

“I remember watching his [Simon] World Championships run in the PDC. He had Phil Taylor which was incredible, it was very inspirational and it was a pleasure to watch. That 170 he hit against Phil was ridiculous, especially in that time period.”