VIDEO: Highlights opening night World Darts Championship including defending champion Michael Smith surviving scare from Kevin Doets

The defending champion of the World Darts Championship was almost out on the opening night. Kevin Doets made it very difficult for Michael Smith, but just couldn't beat the world number one.

The Dutchman led 2-1 in sets and was just two legs away from a huge sensation at Alexandra Palace in the fourth set. However, Smith managed to straighten his back thanks to a fantastic 142 and defeated Doets 3-2 in sets.

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Doets had earlier in the evening won over Stowe Buntz in the opening match of the World Darts Championship. There were also wins for Cameron Menzies and Simon Whitlock on the first match day of the World Darts Championship.

Revisit the highlights of opening night in the video below.

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