15/12/2020

Smith sets up Dobey clash after defeating Barry in hard fought display

Seen as one of the matches of the opening round at the 2020/21 PDC World Darts Championship between Keane Barry and Jeff Smith, while it didn't produce quality wise, it certainly made up for in tension as 'The Silencer' got over the line in a hard fought display.

A story of missed opportunities for Barry who finished with 8/30 on his doubles, he produced a late fightback but it was the Canadian who set up a tie with Chris Dobey in the second round dispelling the Irish prospect.

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Barry took the opening leg in the first set but from there, Smith despite only averaging 80 secured the first set with a 3-1 opening salvo.

The issue for Barry came with doubling with 'Dynamite' missing a dart at double 20 and Smith claimed the opening leg of the second set. He was down at 13% on doubles but finally found double 10 to make it 1-1.

Both players were averaging just 77 but it was Smith who hit double 18 to go 2-1 up in the second set and with Barry having 17 missed darts at doubles, 'The Silencer' took advantage going 2-0 up in sets from there.

Barry though was not down and out. He took out 70 to clinch the opening leg of the third set and began his fightback getting off the mark by claiming the third set in a decider to make it 2-1.

He led in the third set with an 80 checkout as it looked to potentially be going all the way but Smith replied with a 180 and an 80 checkout to make it 1-1.

It was Smith's turn to miss darts at double as he missed two and Barry converted double seven to make it 2-1 with the crowd getting behind him.

But Smith went back to the brink with an 82 checkout followed by a 25 checkout after initially missing 86 on the bull to claim victory.