Michael Smith has continued Peter Wright's winless run during this year's Premier League Darts with a 6-5 win over 'Snakebite' to begin proceedings on Night Four in Dublin.
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Table-topper Smith said he could now relax after winning one night at least and he will look to go back-to-back later after seeing off Wright.
To begin the tie, Smith squandered five darts at double and Wright sealed an immediate break of throw and had darts to make it 3-0 from there but Smith got off the mark with a 76 checkout.
Wright produced a 120 checkout to go 3-2 up and break again and it was soon 4-2 with an 81 checkout on the bull but missed doubles crept in.
Smith made it 4-4 and from there went one away at 5-4 but Wright sent it all the way only for Smith to leave 81 and with Wright way back, Smith left 32 and despite missing three match darts, Wright couldn't pin 104. Smith as a result returned for the win.
He is set to face Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals who averaged 104 in taking down Dimitri van den Bergh 6-4.
'The Iceman' produced five 180's and 50% on the doubles in moving through and wearing green will hope the luck of the Irish is on his side tonight.
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Averaging 111 to begin the tie, he produced a 68 checkout to go 2-1 up. Van den Bergh made it parity from there hitting 87 on the bull for 3-3.
Price wired a dart at double 20 to go two clear allowing Van den Bergh back for 4-4. But after threatening the nine-darter, this proved an ominous sign as Price sealed the next two legs for glory.
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BULLY BOY BATTLES THROUGH! 🐂
Peter Wright's rotten run continues as table-topper Michael Smith takes the deciding leg to secure his place in the semi-finals!
Up next 👉 Gerwyn Price v Dimitri Van den Bergh
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