Smith edges past Suljovic in impressive start to begin 2020 Masters

Smith produced an excellent display to dispel a late comeback from Suljovic hitting an 11-darter to win it. This saw a 102 average and 59 percent on the doubles.

Suljovic went into a flying start in the contest doubling his lead over Smith early doors with an 83 checkout.

This didn’t last long though with Smith taking the next three legs including a 100 checkout to lead at the break.

He took a break of throw when they returned hitting a third 180 en route to going 5-2 up.

Suljovic stopped the rot with a 14 darter to break straight back but this didn’t last long with Smith taking out 92 to move further clear at 7-3 up with a 101 average, three 180s and 70 percent on the doubles as he motored towards the finishing line.

‘The Gentle’ reduced the deficit to 8-5 taking out 72. He broke to make it just 8-6 but Smith went one away with a 113 checkout which was the turning point.

He concluded it from there in an impressive victory for ‘Bully Boy’ to move into the Quarter-Finals.

Click here for more information on The Masters, the traditional season opener in Milton Keynes.

The Masters 2020 schedule
Friday January 31 (from 19:00)
Michael Smith (101.85) 10-6 (97.95) Mensur Suljovic
Nathan Aspinall vs James Wade
Michael van Gerwen vs Jonny Clayton
Rob Cross vs Adrian Lewis

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