Without impressing, Michael Smith reached the second round at the World Matchplay on Sunday night. Bullyboy' beat Steve Beaton (10-2) by a large margin, but only managed an average of 89. Beaton was still well below that with an average of 81.
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The reigning world champion was not at all pleased with his performance. "I came off that stage feeling like I've been beat. I had the most energy in the world, I had the most belief in the world. What the hell is going on. But it happens I guess. I've got to get over the fact that I can't play 110 averages all of the time."
"I've got to win scruffy. New lesson learned I guess."
Earlier in the evening, rival Michael van Gerwen was eliminated by Brendan Dolan. He did not see that as a boost. "I want Michael to win, I want to play Michael in the final. I think 8/10 he normally beats me but it's a test of where I need to improve. But instead of thinking that, I could only play Michael in the final anyway. So I need to keep focused because I've got Chris Dobey next, and he is a different animal to what Steve is.
"So I need to up my game find it from somewhere and get ready for him."
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BULLY BOY UP AND RUNNING!
It's not the start Michael Smith will have wanted, but it's a winning start and that's all that matters!
The World Champion comfortably defeats Steve Beaton 10-2 to advance to round two...
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