Michael Smith could finally achieve darting destiny this evening at the 2022 UK Open after reaching his first final in Minehead coming from 6-2 down reeling off nine straight legs to see off 19-year-old Keane Barry.
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Smith looked down and out but was averaging around 115 at times as he produced an unplayable spell that Barry couldn't do anything to stop.
This featured in the end a 101.6 average, seven 180's and a 170 checkout and he will play the winner of Danny Noppert or William O'Connor shortly.
Smith produced a 170 checkout to start the tie but it was Barry who surged ahead as he swept the opening few legs to go into a 4-1 lead at the first interval.
His lead stretched to 6-2 with a break in the form of 70 on double eight but Smith began his ascent back into the tie as his level increased as Barry’s dropped off.
This started with an 84 checkout on the bull for a break back at 6-3 down and saw him sweep seven straight legs in a row in an incredible comeback as he went 9-6 up.
It was eight consecutive legs on the return from the interval as Smith held on double five for a 10-6 lead.
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A 105 checkout with Barry missing darts to hold saw Smith over the line as he let off a huge signal of emotion.
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𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗜𝗦 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗢 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟!
Michael Smith is a giant step closer to fulfilling his darting destiny after reeling off NINE consecutive legs to defeat the impressive youngster Keane Barry 11-6!
Unplayable.
📺 Up next 👉 William O'Connor v Danny Noppert