MICHAEL Smith survived a scare from Steve Lennon before edging their first-round encounter at the World Darts Championship on Wednesday, writes Andrew Simpson.
The number 13 seed landed 10 maximums - the most by anybody in match so far in this year’s tournament – but let slip a 2-0 lead against the Irish newcomer.
However the St Helens ace took control of the deciding set, closing with a 14-darter to set up a second-round clash with Rob Cross at Alexandra Palace on Saturday.
MICHAEL SMITH WINS IT | Lennon fought hard but it's The Bully Boy who progresses#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/FwCJnuhgrb
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 20, 2017
“That was a struggle,” he said afterwards.
“I found myself 2-0 up and I’m not sure how because I wasn’t playing well.
“I kind of took my foot off the gas after that, which I shouldn’t be doing, and he came back at me.”
Smith struggled for consistency throughout, but established a 2-0 lead on the back of hitting five 180s and a tremendous 150 outshot.
WHAT A COOL WAY TO WRAP UP SET TWO | Michael Smith made that look far too easy 😎#WHdarts #LoveTheDarts pic.twitter.com/Ciu0RmNHP4
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 20, 2017
However Lennon, impressive on his first television appearance at the Grand Slam of Darts last month, took advantage when his opponent suffered a dip in the third set.
Smith appeared on course to wrap up a comfortable victory when he went 2-0 in front in the fourth set before the debutant raised his game to take the next three legs and force a fifth set.
“I had to dig deep,” added Smith.
“I didn’t want to a shoot-out again; every year it feels like I get to 2-2 in the last set so I wanted to win it quickly if could.
“Steve pushed me though, and deserves credit for that.
“I thought when I checked out the 150 in the second set that would kill him but he came back out and played even better.”
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