Probably in the tournament match so far, Kevin Doets took revenge for his narrow defeat in the last match Pally’s ally last year and abandoned Michael Smith from the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, defeating 3-2 in a thriller.
Doets and Smith were poor in most of the opening rallies and it was the tie-break scenario that brought them to life in a few darts that were a sight to behold as they stuck to the task and the goal streak. But Smith, a former world champion and one of the main title favorites this year, left early as Doets averaged 97 and nine 180s to clinch a spot in round three in spectacular fashion.
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“As far as playing darts goes, it’s the best I’ve ever felt in my life,” Doets told darts reporters at Ally Pally, having averaged 105 in his last 10 matches. “When I was down 2-1, I felt a focus that I had never experienced before, even though I was very nervous. I can’t describe this feeling. It’s absolutely amazing and I sense a real opportunity now. “
Last year, Doets pushed Smith to the end on the opening night of the tournament when “BullyBoy” was defending his world title. Twelve months later, the Dutchman went one better and completed the task to ensure his safety Alexandra Palace back after the holidays. “I think I was focused on the same level last year, but when it got to 142 last year, I lost it because it hurt me so much,” he recalled. “But this year I took that experience and just focused on it, and yeah, I can’t really describe it. It’s just an amazing feeling.”
Doets in action on Ally Pally
After beating the second seed, Doets is also now in a fairly favorable position in the draw, with the Dutchman poised to make a serious impact. “I have confidence in myself and my game,” he insists. “This year was a bit disappointing, I was on the wrong side of games many times, but overcoming this situation gives me a lot of confidence and a lot of hope for the next games.”
