MICHAEL SMITH reached the semi-finals of the William Hill World Championship for the first time in his career after a convincing win over Luke Humphries.
Smith dominated the match from start to finish as he averaged 103 in a top quality display against 23-year-old Humphries, who had defeated reigning World Champion Rob Cross 24 hours earlier.
Smith took the first set 3-1 against the throw, clinching it with a clinical 117 finish, before racing through the second set without dropping a leg.
A pivotal 170 checkout with Smith waiting on 40 helped Humphries win the third set 3-0 with an average of over 107.
Smith took the following set 3-1 and defied a 151 checkout from his opponent to edge the fifth set 3-2, taking a 4-1 lead.
Two 11-dart legs in sixth set saw Smith wrap up the win as he claimed what proved to be the final set 3-1.
Smith will take on Nathan Aspinall in the semi-finals.
Match Stats
Averages:
Humphries - 94.18
Smith - 103
180s:
Humphries - 4
Smith - 8
Highest Finish:
Humphries - 170
Smith - 117
100+ Checkouts:
Humphries - 2
Smith - 1
Finishing:
Humphries - 8/14
Smith - 15/46
