Smith first through to World Matchplay Quarter-Finals after thrilling win over Suljovic
PDCTuesday, 21 July 2020 at 20:28
Michael Smith is the first player through to the World Matchplay Quarter-Finals after recovering from 9-6 down to see off Mensur Suljovic.
Smith came through in a tiebreak 14-12 with ten 180’s and he took out 110 to claim victory in the end to move through.
Suljovic had an excellent start to proceedings going 2-0 up over Smith and despite ‘Bully Boy’ making the deficit 4-3 with a 116 checkout.
Despite that, the Austrian extended his lead to 6-3 with 75% on the doubles. Smith closed the gap to two at the next interval at 6-4 behind.
He made it 6-5 with a pivotal 104 checkout with a break of throw. Four missed darts though from Smith allowed Suljovic a 7-5 lead.
It went all the way to a tiebreak though with Smith making it overtime from there at 10-10. He attempted to complete the turnaround at 11-10 up with an 84 checkout on the bull.
Suljovic produced a timely 11-darter with 91 to make it 11-11. It continued albeit with Smith going one away with a break at 13-12.
He finished proceedings from there with the break proving pivotal.
Schedule World Matchplay 2020
Tuesday July 21
First Round
Nathan Aspinall (93.54) 5-10 (98.42) Dimitri van den Bergh
Second Round
Michael Smith (94.99) 14-12 (91.7) Mensur Suljovic
Gary Anderson v James Wade
Michael van Gerwen v Simon Whitlock
Gabriel Clemens v Krzysztof Ratajski
Gary Anderson v James Wade
Michael van Gerwen v Simon Whitlock
Gabriel Clemens v Krzysztof Ratajski
https://twitter.com/officialpdc/status/1285654576721518593?s=21
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- The pundits glossing over the other factor at play in that match. They appear to be somewhat constrained in what they can say publicly.
UndartedWaters16-11-2024 - So, you don't like Littler, then? I was cheering him on, being a fellow Englishman. Honestly, some of us get far too offended nowadays. If you want to see crowd passion... watch a match when German and Dutch players face off... that can be just as bad if not worse for crowd noises. It happens, I have watched and heard Littler being jeered - Dirk van Duijvenbode in Holland, January this year. Where was your outrage then? Yes, I can clearly see what is going on here.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- It happens. Remember, anyone who has watched German and Dutch players in matches - their respective countries will have seen/heard just as bad jeering (if not worse). Taylor and MVG are two prime examples of professionals who are able to cope with the crowds mentally and not take it personally. This is not just an English crowd problem, FFS.MrYnyslas197116-11-2024
- Was watching an old World Masters final the other day between Eric Bristow and John Lowe, the crowd respect for both players on throw was first class, not a sound. You can imagine now the idiots who were whistling on De Deckers throw proudly boasting about it on social media. I blame the PDC to a certain extent though doubt they really care as they win regardless of which player wins or loses.Mysstree16-11-2024
- @UndartedWaters I totally agree with your thoughts! I totally respect Kirk but in this instance I was disappointed with his lack of crowd control. I even turned to my husband and said "Could you imagine this happening if Russ Bray was the referee tonight? At least there would have been a crowd admonishment- Ladies and Gentleman please." I so felt for Mike DeDecker...MamaVenus15-11-2024