Last year Kevin Doets went out to Michael Smith In PDC World Darts Championships epic and now the Dutchman known as “Hawkeye” was extremely sharp in his revenge in an epic Ally Pally tie-break, winning 3-2.
Doets and Smith were poor in most of the opening rallies and it was the tie-break scenario that brought them to life with some must-watch darts as they stuck to the task and their opponent’s string of goals and epic finishes.
However, the former world champion and one of the main title favorites this year left early as Doets averaged 97 and nine 180s to earn him a spot in round three. Take a bow, Kevin Doets.
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Smith went on to secure the first set well in the next three games, recording 11 misses following a double from his opponent. However, Doets made it 1-1. He improved on 90 and the 11-darter was out at just the right time to make it 3-1 and draw with three 180s to his name.
Smith ran unanswered into the third set to gain the advantage, but Doets wasn’t finished as the Dutchman broke through in the fourth set, made it 2-2 and sent the shot into the net. However, the turning point in history was yet to come.
Doets had a chance to win the game. But Smith made sure he had no chance, scoring an incredible 84 points in double 11s to force the tournament’s first tie-break situation, the only such situation in ages on the biggest stage of them all.
The Dutchman shot 81 at the checkout, broke and was out by one. However, Doets was unable to make a single shot in the entire match despite shooting almost flawlessly. He shook his head as Smith made it 3-3 and immediately put it back.
Smith shot 94 with two double 19s and another roar. “Bully Boy” gained the upper hand, but Doets continued to dazzle. He kept the throw under intense pressure, finishing with 54 for 4-4.
Doets shot 180 to leave 90, Smith dropped two darts on 81 and Doets shot 90 to break and walk by one. He started with his own 180 throw, hoping to prevent sudden death.
Doets missed the all-important number, but Smith couldn’t get a chance at 167 and the Dutchman aimed for a double five to seal the victory.
