BULLY BOY UP AND RUNNING! It's not the start Michael Smith will have wanted, but it's a winning start and that's all that matters! The World Champion comfortably defeats Steve Beaton 10-2 to advance to round two... 📺 bit.ly/WM23Live | #WMDarts R1
World Number One Michael Smith eases past legendary Steve Beaton to open World Matchplay campaign
PDCMonday, 17 July 2023 at 00:12
World Number One, Michael Smith is successfully through to the second round to begin his World Matchplay campaign easing past Steve Beaton 10-2.
While not at his best, Smith navigated through unlike Michael van Gerwen earlier and will now sense a big chance to seal a maiden World Matchplay title this week.
After a steady but unspectacular start, Smith burst into life with a 161 checkout to make it 4-1 and continued to ease ahead going 6-2 up despite averaging just 83.
This didn't improve much but he continued to ease through the gears going two legs away from victory at the next interval at 8-2 with three 180's.
It was concluded from there with Beaton not getting another leg and Smith sealing a 100 checkout for the win. Job done for 'Bully Boy'.
Where can I watch the World Matchplay on TV?
The tournament will be broadcast in full on Sky Sports going between Action and Main Event.
From Saturday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 20, broadcasts will begin around 7 p.m. ET. In addition, on Sunday, July 16, there will be an afternoon session starting at 1 p.m. After the second round, the starting time of the evening sessions moves up one hour.
On Sunday afternoon, July 24, the second edition of the Women's World Matchplay is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm. Here, eight ladies will compete for the title at the most important women's tournament in the PDC.
How much prize money can be earned at the World Matchplay
After the World Darts Championship, the World Matchplay is the ranking tournament with the largest prize pool at the PDC. A total of 800,000 pounds of prize money is up for grabs at this event.
All 32 participants are guaranteed £10,000 in prize money. This could eventually add up to a check of as much as £200,000 for the darter who gets to lift the Phil Taylor Trophy on Sunday, July 23.
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