VIDEO | "This is the best I have ever felt in my life" - Kevin Doets feels confidence surging after stunning World Darts Championship victory over Michael Smith

In probably the game of the tournament so far, Kevin Doets gained revenge for his narrow defeat last at the Ally Pally last year and dumped Michael Smith out of the 2025 PDC World Darts Championships, prevailing 3-2 in a thriller.

Doets and Smith were poor for most of the opening exchanges and it was the tie-break scenario that brought them to life in some must-watch darts as they stuck to the task and the barrage of scoring. But Smith, the former World Champion and one of the main favourites for the title this year has gone early, as Doets hit a 97 average and nine 180's to book his spot in Round Three in spectacular style.

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“Darts-wise, this is the best I have ever felt in my life,” reflected Doets to the darts press at the Ally Pally afterwards, having averaged 105 over the last 10 legs of the match. “When I was 2-1 down, I felt a focus that I have never experienced before, even though I was so nervous. I can’t describe this feeling. It’s absolutely incredible, and I do sense a real opportunity now."

Last year, Doets pushed Smith all the way on the opening night of the tournament, when 'BullyBoy' was defending world champion. Twelve months on, the Dutchman has now gone one step better and completed the job to ensure his Alexandra Palace return after Christmas. "Last year, I think I had the same focus, but when he hit the 142 last year I lost it because it hurt me so much," he recalls. "But his year, I used that experience and I just kept on focusing and yeah, I can't really describe it. It's just an incredible feeling."

Doets in action at the Ally Pally

Having defeated the 2nd seed, Doets now also finds himself in a somewhat favourable position in the draw and the Dutchman is ready to make a serious impact. "My confidence is there and my game is there," he insists. "This year has been a bit of a disappointment, I've been on the wrong side of games a lot of times, but to get this over the line gives a lot of confidence and a lot of hope for the next games."

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