Kevin Doets hailed the 'best feeling' of his darting career after dumping out Michael Smith in a thrilling tie-break at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship on Thursday.
Doets was edged out by Smith at the same stage of last year’s tournament, but the Dutchman avenged that result in an epic finale to break new ground at Alexandra Palace.
Trailing 2-1 in sets, Doets produced a brilliant five-leg burst to move to the brink of a historic victory, only for Smith to respond with skin-saving 123 and 84 finishes to force a fifth-set tie-break.
The St Helens star continued his charge with clinical 76 and 96 outshots to lead 4-3 in the final set, yet Doets was undeterred, following up a 14-darter with a brilliant 90 checkout on the bull to edge back ahead before double five sealed a famous win.
“Darts-wise, this is the best I have ever felt in my life,” reflected Doets, who averaged 105 to Smith's 106 in the final ten legs of the contest.
“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.
“My confidence is there, my game is there, and to get over the line gives me a lot of hope for the next game.”
With Smith having been defending £500,000 on the PDC Order of Merit following his World Championship triumph two years ago, the St Helens ace now drops to at least 15th on the rankings after his earliest Ally Pally exit for five years.
Scott Williams also impressed on Day Five in the capital, while German number two Gabriel Clemens was the latest seed to crash out of the tournament in a dramatic double session.
Williams will take on his stablemate Rob Cross in a battle of last year’s semi-finalists on Monday, after toppling debutant Niko Springer in a compelling first round clash.
German youngster Springer stormed to the opening set in quick-fire fashion, although Williams came roaring back in typically exuberant style, crashing in nine 180s to complete a 3-1 success.
“I’m just happy to win what was a brilliant game,” admitted Williams, who defied a 98 average from Springer to book his place in round two.
“Niko is some talent. His ability is incredible, and I think he’s going to upset a lot of players over the next few years.
“I gave Rob far too much respect here a couple of years ago, but on Monday night the gloves are off, we’re there to win the game!”
Earlier in the day, Callan Rydz produced the highest average in a last 96 match at the World Championship, averaging 107.06 in his demolition of Croatian newcomer Romeo Grbavac.
The former World Championship quarter-finalist lived up to his nickname in north London, running riot to triumph inside 17 minutes of play; winning seven of his nine legs in 14 darts or under.
“I know if my game turns up, I can beat anyone,” claimed Rydz, who faces German number one Martin Schindler for a place in the last 32.
“I have openly admitted that I’ve been absolutely shocking on the stage for the last two years, so if this is a turning point, happy days!
“Martin is a great player and a great lad. I lost to a German [Ricardo Pietreczko, in round two] last year, so hopefully I can go one step better, because I would love to be here after Christmas.”
Robert Owen insists there is ‘still more in the tank’ after producing one of his best performances on the big stage to account for Clemens – a semi-finalist back in 2022/23 who now drops out of the top 32.
Owen defied a stirring fightback from Clemens to complete an impressive 3-1 victory, averaging 99 and pinning 40% of his attempts at double to boost his hopes of retaining his PDC Tour Card.
Owen’s fellow Welshman Nick Kenny also celebrated victory on Thursday, converting a spectacular 170 checkout to wrap up a 3-0 thumping of former Grand Slam quarter-finalist Stowe Buntz.
Kenny will now take on five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld on Saturday evening, as he also bids to preserve his professional status.
Martin Lukeman defied a sluggish start to see off Indian Qualifier Nitin Kumar, closing out a hard-fought 3-1 win to move through to a meeting with former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding.
Matt Campbell won through a five-set clash against Austrian veteran Mensur Suljovic, producing a blistering burst midway through the contest on his way to victory.
Elsewhere, Hong Kong’s Lok Yin Lee enjoyed a dream Alexandra Palace debut, reeling off nine consecutive legs from a set adrift to defeat a profligate Chris Landman.
The Paddy Power World Darts Championship continues on Friday, as three-time winner Michael van Gerwen headlines Day Six alongside 2024 Masters champion Stephen Bunting.
Development Tour Order of Merit winner Wessel Nijman will also feature, with former quarter-finalist Ian White and Germany’s Florian Hempel amongst the other names in action.
The Paddy Power World Darts Championship is being broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
Click here for match stats & results.
2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Thursday December 19
Afternoon Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Lok Yin Lee 3-1 Chris Landman (2-3, 3-0, 3-0, 3-0) (R1)
Callan Rydz 3-0 Romeo Grbavac (3-0, 3-1, 3-1) (R1)
Martin Lukeman 3-1 Nitin Kumar (2-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-1) (R1)
Robert Owen 3-1 Gabriel Clemens (3-2, 3-0, 1-3, 3-1) (R2)
Evening Session
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Nick Kenny 3-0 Stowe Buntz (3-1, 3-2, 3-1) (R1)
Matt Campbell 3-2 Mensur Suljovic (3-2, 2-3, 3-0, 2-3, 3-0) (R1)
Scott Williams 3-1 Niko Springer (0-3, 3-1, 3-1, 3-2) (R1)
Kevin Doets 3-2 Michael Smith (0-3, 3-1, 0-3, 3-0, 6-4) (R2)
Friday December 20
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Stephen Burton v Alexander Merkx (R1)
Wessel Nijman v Cameron Carolissen (R1)
Ian White v Sandro Eric Sosing (R1)
Stephen Bunting v Kai Gotthardt (R2)
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Mickey Mansell v Tomoya Goto (R1)
Florian Hempel v Jeffrey De Zwaan (R1)
William O’Connor v Dylan Slevin (R1)
Michael van Gerwen v James Hurrell (R2)