De Decker produced an 88 average, eight 180's and 50% on the doubles featuring a 120 and 114 checkout in dispatching 'The Silencer' who rallied after being breezed past in the opening set and could've prolonged it past the 3-1 defeat.
De Decker started superbly with two ton plus checkouts to take control of the set in the form of 120 and 114 and followed it up with a 180 and 64 checkout for a dominant set.
Smith took out double 18 for a break to begin set two. But De Decker hit back with a 60 checkout. This was exchanged again though with an 87 checkout on double 18 and ‘The SIlencer’ was throwing for 1-1.
But it was 2-2 with De Decker again breaking and he held throw using double 20 and double 10 for 80 to make it 2-0.
De Decker missed a dart for 1-1 but returned with Smith unable to take a break and it was 1-1 in legs. Smith hit double 18 and went one away from a set back. De Decker missed a dart for 2-2 and was punished with Smith hitting a 70 checkout.
Smith missed 112 on double 18 and De Decker hit double nine for a hold. He went one away on double 10 before pinning a 180 and missing a match dart. Smith though hit a 116 checkout to keep himself alive. De Decker hit an eighth 180 and a 55 checkout for victory after Smith missed a 120 checkout for 2-2 in sets.
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DE DECKER SEES OFF SMITH! 🇧🇪
Mike De Decker fights off a spirited Jeff Smith comeback to close out an epic 3-1 success!
A brilliant tie to kick off the evening!
Up next 👉 Scott Williams v Ryan Joyce
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