Smith first through to World Matchplay semi-finals after edging past Ratajski in thriller
PDCFriday, 24 July 2020 at 08:38
Michael Smith is the first player through to the World Matchplay semi-finals after seeing off Krzysztof Ratajski in a 16-13 victory to open up proceedings on Thursday night.
Smith will move into his second successive semi-final in the World Matchplay and into potentially his best chance yet to win a first major title after many seeds have fallen by the wayside. It was a thrilling tie which saw a 98.5 average from 'Bully Boy' and 13 180's and 48% on the doubles.
It was back and forth between the duo with it going 3-2 to Smith and 5-5 at the first two sessions. From there Ratajski looked to lead going 8-7 up with a brilliant 161 checkout despite averaging six points less than his opponent and being behind on every statistic.
Smith was the first to get into double figures in a nip and tuck affair and opened up a two leg lead at the next break at 11-9 up. He surged into a 14-9 lead with a break of throw which ultimately was the catalyst.
This meant that despite The Polish Eagle going 14-12 behind with three legs in a row, all Smith needed technically was one more leg to go one away and put Ratajski on the point of no return. He did so and finalised proceedings 16-13 to dispel his charge.
Click here for more information about the World Matchplay, including the tournament bracket, TV coverage and prize money breakdown.
Schedule World Matchplay 2020
Quarter-Finals
Thursday July 23
Krzysztof Ratajski (93.82) 13-16 (98.32) Michael Smith
Simon Whitlock v Gary Anderson
Simon Whitlock v Gary Anderson
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1286383919743598594?s=20
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- I dont like individuals or crowds trying to put any player off when they are trying to check out, how anyone can think its okay for the crowd to whistle or shout as someone is throwing for a double is beyond me but it does seem to have become part and parcel of the modern game. I no longer play now, darts is as good as dead at a local level round my way but when i did play many years ago, no matter how intense the rivalry you never shouted out or whistled when an opponent from the other team was throwing for a double.Mysstree17-11-2024
- 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