29/10/2020

Michael Smith produces comeback to edge past Ross Smith, Van Duijvenbode whitewashes Noppert in blistering display

Michael Smith is through at the European Championship after producing a comeback to see off Ross Smith - who has been excellent recently reaching the Quarter-Finals at the International Darts Open in Riesa to reach this point.

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But 'Bully Boy' himself has been in good form also recently and came from 3-0 down to edge out 'Smudger' 6-5.

In coming from 3-0 down, he made it 3-2 and despite the Deal ace continuing his lead, a turning point came up with a brilliant 142 checkout to trail 4-3.

He broke from there by taking out 96 on two double 19's to make it 4-4 and hit a 62 checkout to hit the front from there at 5-4.

Ross Smith made it a decider from there but couldn't find his scoring boots which allowed the St Helens ace to ease through that final leg.

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Dirk van Duijvenbode is also through to the next round to face Smith after a blistering display to see off an outside bet for many in Danny Noppert.

'The Titan' has not played since his World Grand Prix run but he picked off where he left off with a whitewash win with a 98 average allowing his opponent only two darts at double in the end.

Van Duijvenbode surged into a 3-0 lead in the early going with a break of throw leaving double 20 with 140 followed by 171. Noppert pressured but Van Duijvenbode put it away second dart in hand to take that break.

It was a double break as he went 4-0 up with a 14 darts outscoring 'Noppie' with a 140 and 134 to leave 50 which he pinned to go towards the finishing line.

He missed 108 for a 5-0 lead but was relieved to pin double two after Noppert nearly capitalised with an 84 checkout. He concluded proceedings with a 52 checkout with again Noppert only down to a finish to put pressure on.