Ross Smith survives mini-fightback from Niels Zonneveld to reach the third round at the World Darts Championship

Ross Smith is into the third round with a very professional, 3-1 win over Niels Zonneveld. Averaging over 95 with 7 180s and a 170 finish it was an accomplished performance from 'Smudger'.

The biggest 180 hitter in the game today, Smith wasted no time in getting off the mark with his first in this game, firing all 3 of his opening darts into the treble 20. Despite not being at his very best, Zonneveld's inability to hit a double ensured Smith took the first set with relative ease, 3-0.

In set 2 however, Zonneveld was much more competitive. Although he missed darts at double in the opening leg, the Dutchman finally got off the mark in leg 2 and then held throw in the following leg to move ahead in the set. Missing a dart at double 4 for the set however, Smith punished and took the set to a decider. Breaking the Zonneveld throw in that fifth leg, Smith took the set to move 2-0 up.

Opening the third set in spectacular style, Smith reeled in the second 'Big Fish' of the tournament. Zonneveld held throw in the following leg, with Smith returning in kind in leg 3 to move one away from the win. Zonneveld stayed alive with a 14-dart hold of throw, and then as Smith missed double 18 for the match, Zonneveld took the set.

Smith recovered well from that disappointment to break the throw at the start of set 4. An 85 checkout secured a hold of throw in leg 2 for 'Smudger' before Zonneveld kept the match going with a hold of his own in leg 3. A second match dart then came and went for Smith as he wired the bullseye but with Zonneveld unable to take out 86, Smith returned to take the win.