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.

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.