Kevin Doets has caused the upset of the PDC World Championship so far by dumping out former champion Michael Smith in an exhilarating second-round clash.
Twelve months ago, Smith edged out then-relative newcomer Doets at the same stage of the competition, and appeared on course to replicate that effort when leading 1-0 and 2-1.
However, Doets came roaring back in one of the most thrilling conclusions in the history of the second round, Smith averaging 106.2 and still losing the deciding set by a 6-4 scoreline.
His Dutch opponent hit six 180s and checked out at 50% to fell the 2023 winner who had raised his game as the pace and intensity picked up.
At 2-0 in the final set, Smith hit 123 and 84 checkouts as Doets missed one match dart, but his 90 checkout on the bull after Smith had missed two darts for a 5-4 lead proved key.
Having left 40 after 12 darts in the 10th leg, Doets successfully checked out to progress into the third round and leave Smith facing the realistic prospect of ending the tournament outside of the top 16.
BULLY BOY CRASHES OUT! ❌
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 19, 2024
Kevin Doets dumps Michael Smith out of the World Championship! 😱
An incredible contest at Ally Pally! 🤯
📺 https://t.co/pIQvhqYxEj#WCDarts | R2 pic.twitter.com/25yvUjfaD3
What else happened on Thursday night?
One of last year's semi-finalists Scott Williams defied a near-99 average from Niko Springer to prevail by a 3-1 scoreline, his opponent missing 23 darts at a double ultimately proving decisive.
Canada's Matt Campbell withstood Mensur Suljovic twice levelling their contest in a deciding leg to record a 3-2 victory over the Austrian, taking the last set 3-0.
Meanwhile, Wales' Nick Kenny edged the key moments against American Stowe Buntz to win 3-0, sealing the match in style with a 170 checkout.
Darren Plant
