Michael Smith has come through a thrilling contest with debutant Kevin Doets, starting the defence of his World Championship trophy with a 3-2 victory.
The world number one has been performing below par for a number of months and would have known that he faced a difficult opener against Doets or Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist Stowe Buntz.
Doets, the world number 66, was a surprise 3-0 winner over the American, but he played his part in a contest that will stand the test of time as one of the best opening-night clashes in recent memory.
Although Smith took a first-set lead, Doets was relentless throughout the match, hitting a total of nine 180s and ending it with a 99.46 average.
He hit back from the early deficit to lead 2-1, with Smith performing to a high standard himself, but the decisive moment came in the first leg of the decider.
OH MY GOODNESS!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 15, 2023
Michael Smith lands a 142 checkout under immense pressure to regain the lead in the decider!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | R2 pic.twitter.com/n3ff59qzYh
With Doets on 24, Smith produced a 142 checkout to seize control and although he squandered five match darts, the St Helens thrower hit double 20 in the fourth leg of the fifth set to seal a scintillating win.
Earlier in the night, former finalist Simon Whitlock also have to come from behind to record a 3-2 success over Philippines thrower Paolo Nebrida.
Scotland's Cameron Menzies reached the last 64 for the second year in a row with an impressive 3-0 win versus Rusty-Jake Rodriguez.
Darren Plant
