Former World Champion Michael Smith Falls to Kevin Doets in Stunning PDC World Championship Upset

MICHAEL SMITH faced a stunning elimination from Ally Pally in a dramatic match, effectively dashing his darts aspirations for 2025.

Bully Boy, 34, was the defending world champion only two years ago and returned to defend a significant £500,000 prize associated with his position on the PDC Order of Merit.

Michael Smith has been knocked out of the PDC World Championship

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Michael Smith has been knocked out of the PDC World ChampionshipCredit: Getty
Kevin Doets pulled off a sensational win

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Kevin Doets pulled off a sensational winCredit: Getty

However, his ranking is poised to drop significantly, risking his position in the top 16 after a close 3-2 defeat to Kevin Doets in a thrilling tournament match.

As the current world No.2, this marks one of the most notable declines in recent history, which could heavily affect his morale as he looks ahead to next season.

Christmas Day may prove to be a tough one for the Smith family following his exit in the second round, the first time he has lost at this stage since 2020.

For this second-round exit, Smith will only receive £15,000, resulting in an astonishing £485,000 drop when the rankings are adjusted in the New Year.

Kevin Doets, 26, who is currently ranked No.51 in the world, had lost 3-2 to Smith at the same point last year, but he has now avenged that defeat, much to the delight of his dedicated mother, featured in the Game of Throws documentary.

In their previous clash at this stage, Smith had expressed his irritation, suspecting Doets of trying to show off on stage.

Despite facing bounce-outs, Doets kept his composure and clinched the match on his fourth match dart.

In an exciting conclusion, he achieved a remarkable Bullseye finish on 90 during the ninth leg of the fifth set.

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Doets commented: “I can hardly express this feeling. This game felt surreal. The final set was phenomenal.

“Last year, I won the bull backstage and then lost 3-2. This year, he won the bull, and I felt I could triumph.

Rob Owen stuns Gabriel Clemens to achieve one of the biggest victories of his darts career!

“This was the most stressful match of my life. Oh yes! I believed that if I kept my focus, I wouldn’t lose. It was incredibly close.

“To come out on top is unbelievable. Winning this match means everything.”

In other results from the evening’s session, Welshman Nick Kenny secured a 3-0 win over American Stowe Buntz, featuring a fantastic 170 finish on the Bull.

Last year’s semi-finalist, Scott Williams, triumphed against German Niko Springer with a 3-1 victory, boasting an impressive average of 96.24.

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