21/11/2020

Smith closes out deciding leg victory over Cross to reach Grand Slam Quarter-Finals

Michael Smith is into the Grand Slam of Darts Quarter-Finals after a closely fought victory over Rob Cross defeating his World Cup partner in a 10-9 victory.

A match that was close throughout albeit with Smith missing chances to end it early, he hit a 97.5 average and 11 180's to close it out and continue his form.

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To begin the tie, Cross was punished for three missed darts at double and Smith took out 96 for an immediate break of throw and Smith doubled his lead from there but he struggled himself on the doubles with 2/9 and Cross took three legs on the spin to make it 3-2.

Smith hit a 90 checkout to make it parity for 3-3 and they continued to be level with Cross though edging back in front constantly before it was locked in at 5-5 at the interval.

Cross regained the lead with a 119 checkout to make it 6-5 and missed the chance to break and Smith pounced to make it 6-6 and keep himself well in proceedings.

Smith finally turned the match on it's head with the close nature of the tie meaning that a break to make it 8-7 was potentially pivotal. He held throw from there with an 86 checkout but three missed match darts allowed Cross to stay in it.

Cross from there broke throw to send it all the way, a close tie being sent the full distance. But it was Smith who got his reward leaving 24 which he pinned first time to win.