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Kevin Doets inflicts revenge on Michael Smith at the World Darts Championship

Jamie Shaw in World Darts Championship 20 Dec 2024

Doets dispatches Smith in Round Two (Photo by Simon O’Connor/PDC)

Kevin Doets stunned former champion Michael Smith in a thrilling tie-break set in Round Two of the World Darts Championship on Thursday.

Doets was beaten by Smith at the same stage of last year’s tournament, but the Dutchman avenged that result in an epic finale to break new ground at Alexandra Palace.

Trailing 2-1 in sets, Doets produced a brilliant five-leg burst to move to the brink of a huge victory, but only for Smith to respond with skin-saving checkouts of 123 and 84 to force a fifth-set tie-break.

The 2023 World Champion continued his charge with clinical 76 and 96 finishes to lead 4-3 in the decider, yet Doets was undeterred, following up a 14-darter with a brilliant 90 checkout on the bull to edge back ahead, before double five sealed a famous win.

“Darts-wise, this is the best I have ever felt in my life,” admitted Doets.

“When I was 2-1 down, I felt a focus that I have never experienced before, even though I was so nervous.

“I can’t describe this feeling. It’s absolutely incredible, and I do sense a real opportunity now.

“My confidence is there, my game is there, and to get over the line gives me a lot of hope for the next game.”

With Smith defending £500,000 on the Order of Merit following his World Championship triumph two years ago, the St Helens ace now drops to at least 15th on the rankings after his earliest Ally Pally exit for five years.

Scott Williams also impressed on Day Five at Ally Pally, while German number two Gabriel Clemens was another seed to crash out of the tournament in a dramatic double session.

Williams will take on his stablemate Rob Cross in a battle of last year’s semi-finalists on Monday, after toppling debutant Niko Springer in a compelling First Round tie.

German youngster Springer stormed to the opening set in quick-fire fashion, although Williams came roaring back in typically flamboyant style, crashing in nine 180s to complete a 3-1 success.

“I’m just happy to win what was a brilliant game,” admitted Williams, who defied a 98 average from Springer to book his place in round two.

“Niko is some talent. His ability is incredible, and I think he’s going to upset a lot of players over the next few years.

“I gave Rob far too much respect here a couple of years ago, but on Monday night the gloves are off, we’re there to win the game!”

Earlier in the day, Callan Rydz produced the highest average in a First Round contest at the PDC World Championship, averaging 107.06 in a straight sets demolition of Croatian debutant Romeo Grbavac.

The former World Championship quarter-finalist lived up to his nickname, running riot to triumph inside 17 minutes of play by winning seven of his nine legs in 14 darts or fewer.

“I know if my game turns up, I can beat anyone,” insisted Rydz.

“I have openly admitted that I’ve been absolutely shocking on the stage for the last two years, so if this is a turning point, happy days!

“Martin is a great player and a great lad. I lost to a German [Pietreczko] last year, so hopefully I can go one step better, because I would love to be here after Christmas.”

Robert Owen producing one of his most memorable performances on the TV stage to dump out 2023 semi-finalist Clemens – who now drops out of the top 32.

Owen defied a late fightback from Clemens to complete an impressive 3-1 victory, averaging 99 as he boosted his hopes of retaining his Tour Card.

Owen’s fellow Welshman Nick Kenny also celebrated victory on Thursday, landing a magnificent 170 checkout to wrap up a 3-0 rout of former Grand Slam quarter-finalist Stowe Buntz.

Kenny will now face five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld on Saturday evening, as he also bids to preserve his professional status.

Meanwhile, Martin Lukeman recovered from losing the opening set to see off Indian Qualifier Nitin Kumar, closing out a hard-fought 3-1 win to move through to a meeting with former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding.

Matt Campbell battled through a five-set tussle against Austrian veteran Mensur Suljovic, producing a blistering burst midway through the contest on his way to victory.

Hong Kong’s Lok Yin Lee enjoyed a dream Alexandra Palace debut, reeling off nine consecutive legs from a set adrift to punish a disaster on the doubles from Chris Landman.

World Darts Championship 2024/25 Day Five Results

Thursday December 19

Afternoon Session (12.30pm-5pm)
Chris Landman 1-3 Lok Yin Lee (R1)
Callan Rydz 3-0 Romeo Grbavac (R1)
Martin Lukeman 3-1 Nitin Kumar (R1)
Gabriel Clemens 1-3 Robert Owen (R2)

Evening Session (7pm-11pm)
Nick Kenny 3-0 Stowe Buntz (R1)
Mensur Suljovic 2-3 Matt Campbell (R1)
Scott Williams 3-1 Niko Springer (R1)
Michael Smith 2-3 Kevin Doets (R2)

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Kevin Doets inflicts revenge on Michael Smith at the World Darts Championship

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