Smith first through to World Matchplay semi-finals after edging past King

Smith averaged 96.5 and hit six 180's on his way to victory over the Bradwell ace despite the duo exchanging some poor legs including a leg in the latter half where they missed a combined 22 darts at double.

Despite that though he is successfully through and will know now he has a golden chance to finally win a first major title at the Winter Gardens this weekend.

To start the tie, Smith had an excellent start going 4-1 up with a 112.5 average and 4/5 on the doubles; despite King smashing in a brilliant 140 checkout to get off the mark.

He continued his brilliance going 5-1 up with a 70 checkout; but King started to claw the legs back with him winning three straight legs to close the gap to 5-4 but it was Smith who held the momentum still at the interval.

The same happened when they returned from the interval; with King consistently closing the gap to 'Bully Boy' and this was closed fully with King making it parity to break at 7-7 with a 74 checkout.

Four legs on the spin handed King the slender advantage as he turned the match on it's head. Smith came back himself though and broke to go back ahead at 9-8.

Three legs in a row for Smith handed him a 10-8 advantage with four 180's and a 101.6 average; as he looked on top again. King held his throw to go 10-9 adrift; but Smith went 11-9 ahead to maintain his two-leg gap.

King went back within a leg again but Smith went 12-10 up. A 12-11 deficit was once again afoot but Smith went 13-11 despite 52 missed darts at double from the pair.

This was extended with a break of throw from the St Helens ace who went two away as a result. He finished the job to move through to the Quarter-Finals in a brilliant victory.

Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the prize money breakdown, schedule and format.

Quarter-Finals
Michael Smith (96.54) 16-11 (88.37) Mervyn King
20:45 Glen Durrant v James Wade

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