DE SOUSA WINS!!! What an incredible game and the dream debut for De Sousa continues as he beats Michael Smith 16-14 to reach the Semi-Finals. 22 x 180s in that gripping encounter as the Portuguese star goes through!
Jose de Sousa has continued his rapid rise with 'The Special One' surviving another comeback to edge past Michael Smith and reach the Grand Slam semi-finals on debut in a 16-14 win.
De Sousa was 8-3 up and seemingly cruising but had Smith produce a brilliant comeback to tee up a tense final part of the game and it was the Portuguese ace who claimed it with 22 180's between them in a classic tie.
De Sousa like against Chisnall had a superb start to proceedings. He doubled his lead with an 84 checkout early on and was 4-1 up at the interval with five missed darts at double during leg five proving costly.
Smith missed further darts and De Sousa from there hit a second 180 and double six to move ahead 5-1. Smith started to get legs on the board going 6-2 down but back-to-back 180's and an 81 checkout halted his initial comeback in it's tracks.
He sat 8-2 up at the break which prompted the question, could De Sousa win from here or would Smith make a comeback.
It was the latter. De Sousa made a mess of finishing when they returned and Smith broke with a 68 checkout to make it 8-3.
Four legs in a row followed for Smith as he went 8-6 behind and really started to test the resolve of the Special One. This comeback was nearly complete as Smith went 8-7 behind at the break.
Smith found himself on level terms at 8-8 and despite De Sousa stopping the rot, a brilliant foray of a ten darter and a ninth 180 and double 20 saw Smith lead for the first time.
It was back and forward from there with De Sousa though making it 13-12 with a break and hold as he looked to finish what he started.
But Smith himself smashed in the first ton plus checkout in a 129 to hold and make it 13-13. A hold made it 14-13 to De Sousa though as he needed two more holds to go through.
With De Sousa sat on 35 for a break, Smith pinned a 71 checkout to hold and make it 14-14. Smith pressured the De Sousa with a 180 but missed a 102 checkout for a break.
De Sousa came back to hold and go one away at 15-14. Smith missed three to hold his throw and De Sousa pinned a 47 checkout and let out emotion as he crossed the line.
Michael Smith (95.74) 14-16 (98.65) Jose De Sousa
Damon Heta v James Wade
DE SOUSA WINS!!! What an incredible game and the dream debut for De Sousa continues as he beats Michael Smith 16-14 to reach the Semi-Finals. 22 x 180s in that gripping encounter as the Portuguese star goes through!