Kuivenhoven sets up Wade clash with first victory at PDC World Darts Championship over Smith

Maik Kuivenhoven has claimed his first win at the 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship with a scrappy win over Aussie ace Ky Smith.

Despite only an average of 79, Smith claimed a set back and pushed Kuivenhoven towards the end of the tie before the Dutchman finally sealed it with seven 180's along the way.

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Kuivenhoven produced two 180's in the opening leg and followed it up with a 52 checkout for a break and he was throwing for the opening set.  

He missed the chance for the set and Smith replied to break back but a clean kill on double 10 handed the first set to Kuivenhoven. 

The Dutchman broke throw to begin the second set with Smith averaging just 72. A 76 checkout saw Kuivenhoven sweep the second set.  

Kuivenhoven missed multiple darts to hold and Smith pinned 116 on double one. The former levelled up but it was 7/25 on the doubles as he continued to find himself towards the finishing line. 

Kuivenhoven missed bull for a 121 checkout and Smith broke back and had the darts to get a set on the board. 

The Dutchman missed the bull again to level up and Smith pinned double 12 for a set. A 76 checkout stopped the rot for Kuivenhoven. Smith just wouldn’t go away with an 88 checkout on the bull.  

A 91 checkout saw Kuivenhoven go one away from the win which he was throwing for. A 180 and 139 leave for 24 saw him claim the win.