In the end, 'Bully Boy' came through with a thrilling 6-5 victory over 'The Biggest' but defied a 108 average in the process to come through.
Krcmar moved 2-0 up in the opening stage but Smith returned with a 142 checkout on his way to levelling it up at 2-2.
The multiple Soft Tip World Champion headed into the interval with a 127 checkout to move 3-2 up but a brilliant and pivotal clutch 145 saw Smith move 4-3 up.
It was level from there on out but in the decider with Krcmar unable to muster a shot at a 116 checkout, Smith hit double 10 for the win.
While his World Cup partner proved too strong for Jason Lowe with Rob Cross coming through safely in a 6-3 win with a 98.3 average and 6/7 on the doubles en route.
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Like alluded to though, the shocks came on the outer stages with Ryan Murray edging past Stephen Bunting in a 6-4 win with back-to-back checkouts of 138 and 121.
While 'Evil Charlie' Karel Sedlacek punished 14 missed darts at double from Krzysztof Ratajski to book his place in Round Two 6-4.
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Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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HEARTBREAK FOR BORIS
Michael Smith shows his quality as he denies Boris Krcmar's 108 average, as 'Bully Boy' clinches a deciding leg victory!
📺 Up next 👉 Rob Cross v Jason Lowe