Rampant Raymond Smith continues dream World Darts Championship run with Hempel win

Raymond Smith will face either Steve Lennon or Mervyn King for a spot in the Quarter-Finals of the PDC World Darts Championship continuing his incredible run at the Alexandra Palace.

Smith breezed past Florian Hempel 4-1 who did not turn up to produce his previous exploits and it is 'The Guru' who could yet claim a Tour Card by right meaning a big decision for the Aussie ace who has previously said he wouldn't commit to the tour until 2023.

A 180 and 86 checkout saw Hempel hit the front to start the tie. Smith missed multiple darts to hold but with Hempel not on a finish, the Aussie made it 1-1.

A 64 checkout saw Smith break and he was throwing for the opening set. His incredible start continued with a 102 checkout seeing him claim it.

Hempel broke to go 2-1 up in the second set but Smith hit back and pinned a 64 checkout to go into a 2-0 sets lead and give Hempel an uphill battle to return to the foray.

Smith went 2-1 up and missed a dart to go 3-0 up in sets and Hempel returned for double 18 and he was throwing for a set back. It was a set which he clinched on double eight to make it 2-1.

Smith had a terrific start but handed Hempel a chance at a break only for him to bust his score and the Aussie went 1-0 up with a hold.

Hempel missed 96 to make it 1-1 but returned with Smith unable to take out 114. He missed three more though and Smith went 2-0 up and one away from a 3-1 sets lead.

A 70 checkout saw Hempel break back though and he was throwing for a decider. But it was another break and Smith went 3-1 up in sets.

Hempel was fighting for his World Championship survival and took out 89 on the bull in the opening leg. He pinned double nine to go 2-1 up and one away from a 3-2 sets deficit.

All the pressure was on him though with a decider forced where he had the throw. He missed the second double 20 for a 100 checkout and Smith had a shot at 56 for the match which he pinned to claim it.