Payne overcomes defecit to defeat Smith

Josh Payne recovered from losing the first set as he held off Canadian Jeff Smith in a fifth set decider at the 2019 PDC World Darts Championship.

The Canadian was successful with his first three attempts at doubles as he took a 1-0 lead. Payne bounced back by taking set two as he restored parity.

‘The Maximum’ continued to get the better of Smith, with Payne making it five legs in a row in the process of winning set two and moving ahead 2-1. Smith then proceeded to send the match in a fifth set by hitting D18.

It was the Englishman, however, who performed best in the crucial final set. Payne took all three legs and eventually hit D2 to win the match and set up a confrontation with Dave Chisnall.
Click here for more information about the PDC World Darts Championship, including schedules and the prize fund breakdown.
William Hill World Darts Championship
Saturday December 15
Afternoon Session (1230)
Richard North (92.82) 3-2 (85.99) Robert Marijanovic (R1)
Mickey Mansell (74.45) 1-3 (75.33) Jim Long (R1)
Josh Payne (87.34) 3-2 (88.98) Jeff Smith (R1)
Max Hopp v Danny Noppert (R2)
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