Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
Michael Smith bought his title defence up and working on the PDC World Darts Championship – however he was pushed all the way in which by Kevin Doets because the match started at Alexandra Palace.
Doets, the world No 66, had overcome Stowe Buntz 3-0 in Friday’s opening match and seemed a harmful opponent for Smith. The world No 1 started by breaking his opponent’s throw to take the primary set 3-1 – however Doets hit again to stage within the second.
The Dutchman had maintained a mean of greater than 100 over the primary two units, and he continued that type within the third set, holding throw within the deciding leg to place Smith underneath large strain.
Smith, trying to change into solely the third participant to retain his PDC world title, pounced to stage at two units every after Doets missed two darts at double 16. In the primary leg of the decider, Smith hit a 142 checkout to interrupt throw and apparently take management of the match.
The St Helens star, who received his first Ally Pally title in January with a 7-4 victory over Michael van Gerwen, then confirmed indicators of nerves by lacking 5 match darts – however nailed double prime on his personal throw to recover from the road with a 100.49 common.
“I nearly threw it away a couple of times,” Smith advised Sky Sports. “I had to keep battling and keep fighting. I didn’t want to go to a last-leg decider, [but] I managed to fall over the line.”
The 33-year-old has endured an inconsistent season after his maiden world crown, however insisted that defending the title introduced additional strain. “Driving up to Alexandra Palace, I felt the same nerves I felt last year, and have felt here every year,” he stated.
Simon Whitlock got here by way of a five-set battle of his personal in opposition to Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines. Both gamers struggled to hit doubles in a good contest, however the former finalist Whitlock checked out on double 4 within the deciding set to arrange a second-round assembly with Gary Anderson on Saturday night.
Elsewhere, Scotland’s Cameron Menzies beat Rusty-Jake Rodriguez of Austria 3-0. Menzies, who had spent most of Friday at his day job as a plumber, hit 50% of his doubles and can face the No 11 seed, Dave Chisnall, on Saturday afternoon.
“I was working but it kind of chilled me out, it made me realise that darts is a hobby and a very lucky one, too,” Menzies stated afterwards. “I was so nervous, I knew that game meant a lot. What happens now is a bonus but winning that game meant the world to me.”
The world No 63 will now hope that his girlfriend, Fallon Sherrock, may also progress previous the primary spherical on Monday night. Menzies added that he was comfortable to keep away from Sherrock, who made historical past along with her run to the third spherical in 2020, within the draw.
“I play Fallon in the house and I beat her eight times out of 10 but she has moments when she smashes me, which is fair enough,” the 34-year-old stated. “I know for a fact up there on the stage she would batter me. It’s her stage, she would batter me.”
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