Superb Smith surges past Cullen, eases through to Quarter-Finals at PDC World Darts Championship with 103 average and 10 180's

Good friends off the oche but on the stage, Michael Smith took bragging rights against Joe Cullen to reach the Quarter-Finals of the 2022/23 PDC World Darts Championship.

A far cry from his close win over Martin Schindler, it was a 4-1 sets win for Smith with a 103.25 average, 10 180's and 40% on the doubles. Luke Humphries or Stephen Bunting await.

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A 180 was pinned by Cullen en route to an opening break against Smith. He hit a second on his throw while Smith hit back with his second. Cullen was first to a finish but missed darts to hold and Smith broke back on double 20.

Cullen continued to struggle on doubles but hit double nine to send the set the distance. Smith began with his second 180 and pinned 76 for the set.

After holding, Cullen missed 138 for 2-0 only to return with 70 missed by Smith. ‘The Rockstar’ hit double 20 to go 2-0 up and towards the set back. He sealed it on double eight.

Smith missed double eight for 136 but returned for double four to go 2-0 up. A 64 checkout for a 12-darter saw Smith sweep the set for 2-1.

A 153 checkout saw Cullen break and make it 1-1. Smith finally hit double one to break back and was throwing for a 3-1 sets lead. Smith missed the bull off 81 for the set and further doubles as Cullen sealed a reprieve to make it 2-2. But Smith took that away on double four.

A 57 checkout saw Smith go 1-0 up in the fifth set. Both missed the bull for 164 before Cullen hit double eight for 1-1. Smith hit the same target to go to the brink at 2-1 and after seven perfect darts, he finally hit double two to seal it.

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