Former World Champion Michael Smith dumped out as Kevin Doets gains revenge in pulsating Ally Pally epic
PDC
Last year Kevin Doets went out to Michael Smith in a PDC World Darts Championship epic and now the Dutchman known as 'Hawkeye' was laser sharp in gaining his revenge in an Ally Pally tie-break epic winning 3-2.
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Doets and Smith were poor for most of the opening exchanges and it was the tie-break scenario that brought them to life in some must watch darts as he stuck to the task and the barrage of scoring and epic finishing from his opponent.
But the former World Champion and one of the main favourites for the title this year has gone early as Doets hit a 97 average and nine 180's to book his spot in Round Three. Take a bow Kevin Doets.
Smith started well securing the opening set in three consecutive legs posting 11 missed darts at double from his opponent. Doets though made it 1-1. He cleaned up 90 for an 11-darter producing at the right moment to claim it 3-1 and draw level with three 180's to his name.
Smith raced to the third set without reply to gain the upperhand but Doets wasn't done as the Dutchman eased through the fourth to make it 2-2 and send it all the way. But the twist in the tale was yet to come.
Doets had the chance to win the match. But Smith made him get no chances at all with an incredible 84 checkout on double 11 to force the first tie-break situation of the tournament and it was one for the ages on the biggest stage of all.
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The Dutchman hit an 81 checkout to break and go one away. But Doets wasn't able to get a shot for the match still despite a near flawless effort was left shaking his head as Smith made it 3-3 and broke straight back.
Smith hit 94 using two double 19's with another roar. 'Bully Boy' looked in the ascendancy but Doets continued to dazzle. He held throw under severe pressure with a 54 checkout for 4-4.
Doets hit a 180 to leave 90 with Smith spurning two darts at 81 and Doets hit back with 90 on the bull to break and go one away. He started with a 180 on his own throw as he aimed to stave off sudden death.
Doets missed the big number but Smith couldn't get a chance at 167 and the Dutchman took aim at double five to seal the win.
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
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Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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