The 2024 World Darts Championship is underway and
Kevin Doets has set up a second round tie with reigning champion Michael Smith later tonight, thanks to a 3-0 victory over
Stowe Buntz.
Opening match of the 2024
PDC World Darts Championship and the opening throw saw the first maximum of the tournament for Kevin Doets. Finishing the leg with his first dart at double, it was a dream start for the Dutchman. Breaking throw in leg 2, Doets moved two legs clear. Having missed a dart at double 16 for the opening set however, Buntz punished to get his first leg on the board via double 12. Nevertheless, the opening set went to Doets.
Although both players were making their respective debuts at the Alexandra Palace, Buntz seemed much more nervous, missing three clear darts to open the second set in a winning fashion, with Doets punishing ruthlessly. Thankfully for the American he responded well in the following leg, nailing 87 in two darts. With both players missing numerous darts at double in the third leg of the set, it was Doets who eventually secured it. Taking out 86 in the next leg, the second set was also secured for the Dutchman.
Picking off 55 in two darts to start set 3, Doets was seemingly steamrolling his way towards the second round. Showing signs of life however, the American wired a 160 in the next leg, cleaning up the 40 when he returned to hold throw for the first time in the match. Doets though was unflustered, taking out a brilliant 112 to move a leg away from victory. Buntz would take the third set to a decider, but Doets would not be denied, setting up a match against Michael Smith later tonight.