Kevin Doets stars with 110 average against Keane Barry at 2024 World Series of Darts Finals as Jeff Smith also progresses

Kevin Doets left an indelible impression in his first match at the 2024 World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam. In front of his own fans, 'Hawk Eye' left Keane Barry no chance, averaging 110.

Doets owes his invitation to reach the quarterfinals at the Dutch Darts Masters earlier this year. Then he recorded a handsome victory over Peter Wright, before going down against Gerwyn Price in the last eight.

The Dutchman put in another blazing performance on Saturday afternoon. Thanks to an average of 109.98 and a finishing percentage of 50 percent, he won 6-0 over Barry. Doets took a 1-0 lead with a 13-darter and then threw an 11-darter into his Irish opponent's leg. He then conjured a 145 finish out of the top hat. Barry was able to get on the scoreboard for the first time in the fourth leg, but missed two darts on the double. Doets then made it 4-0 with an 18-darter. The 26-year-old darter then closed with a 12-darter and a 13-darter for a spot in the last sixteen.

Following Doets, Jeff Smith also secured a spot in the last sixteen at the World Series of Darts Finals. He won in the first round 6-4 from Rhys Griffin. The Tour Card qualification tournament always ensures that a surprising name qualifies for the final tournament. This year Rhys Griffin was that rabbit out of the top hat. The Welshman has three UK Open appearances to his name, but has not played any other television tournament at the PDC.

The match between Smith and Griffin was evenly matched for a long time. The first nine legs were all won by the player who started the leg. Smith halted that sequence by taking the tenth leg with a 15-darter, which immediately gave him the victory.