MICHAEL SMITH overcame a slow start and catalogue of missed doubles to come from two sets down to secure a 4-2 victory over Brendan Dolan in the second round of the William Hill World Darts Championship.

The former World Youth Champion quickly slipped 2-0 down as he struggled badly with his doubles, hitting just one of 16 attempts in those first two sets before he finally found his range to win the next four sets by taking 12 legs out of 14.

Smith hit ten 180s to still averaged 98.9 despite missing a whopping 29 doubles in total, and checked out 104, 121 and 153 when he finally warmed up on his finshing, while he also started two legs with six perfect darts in his quest for a nine-darter.

The St Helens thrower showed some of the form that saw him knock out Phil Taylor last year in the final four sets, as he set up a third round clash with either James Wade or Stephen Bunting in the next round on Tuesday.

"I'm a different player now to what I have been, I've shown that in my last two games here," said Smith. "There's no point showing that at the World Championship then showing up to the next tournament and acting like a kid again.

"The World Championship has brought out the emotional side of me but also the calm side of me when I'm under pressure. I was acting like a spoilt kid and I knew it was ruining my chances.

"If I keep quiet and keep calm like I've done in my past two games I'll do well - I'm satisfied with my performances so far. I can't afford to act like a kid again because I'm not working for myself anymore - I'm working for my son and for his future, so I've got to put the hours in."