MICHAEL Smith produced a blistering mid-match burst to defeat his former mentor Gary Anderson in Round One of the World Matchplay at Blackpool.
He recorded his highest average on the Winter Gardens stage to run out a convincing 10-5 winner.
2018 champion Anderson started magnificently, following up a 101 checkout in the opening leg with a double-double 92 outshot to establish a 3-0 lead and a double-break.
However, Smith responded with an astonishing seven-leg spell to seize control at 7-3, before backing up a brace of 12-darters with a clinical 90 kill to prevail with a 102 average.
“I was 3-0 down and I wasn’t playing well,” conceded Smith, who won ten of the last 12 legs to condemn Anderson to an early exit.
“I was trying too hard early on. I have so much respect for Gary. I used to be in the same management stable as him and we’re still really good friends.”
Smith’s reward is a second round clash against Chris Dobey, who accounted for the St Helens star at the same stage of last year’s World Matchplay and World Championship.
“It doesn’t matter what’s happened previously,” continued the 2023 World Champion. “I’m not after revenge against Chris, I’m here to play darts and entertain the crowd. That’s what I’m all about.”
Meanwhile Michael van Gerwen produced a superb performance to dump out debutant Luke Littler in a heavyweight first round showdown on Monday.
Two of the sport’s biggest names locked horns in a captivating contest at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens, and Van Gerwen emerged victorious to open his challenge for a fourth World Matchplay crown.
The Dutchman has enjoyed more success at the Empress Ballroom than any player in this year’s field, although Littler came into the contest as the pre-match favourite.
Nevertheless, Van Gerwen reaffirmed his credentials with a statement 10-6 victory, averaging 101.93, landing five 180s and hitting ten of his 23 attempts at a double.
The 35-year-old powered into a 5-2 lead – aided by a run of four straight legs - and although Littler responded to reduce the arrears to 5-4, the 17-year-old paid the price for missing three darts to level in a crucial tenth leg.
Van Gerwen maintained his cushion with a brace of 12-dart holds – including a stunning 146 checkout – to move 8-5 ahead, before capping off a relentless display to send Littler packing.
“This means a lot to me,” said an emotional Van Gerwen, a World Matchplay champion in 2015, 2016 and 2022.
“Everyone knows I’ve been going through a rough time, so to perform and get rewarded for your hard work is always nice.
“It’s always a joy to play games like this. Luke is the man in form, he has incredible talent, but you have to face the challenge.
“I don’t have to prove a point to anybody, but when you’re both playing well and you win the game, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Monday’s play also saw Michael Smith, Ryan Searle and Chris Dobey advance to the last 16, as the first round action drew to a close at the Winter Gardens.
The second round gets underway on Tuesday, as reigning champion Nathan Aspinall continues his title defence against 2007 winner James Wade, while world number one Luke Humphries meets Masters champion Stephen Bunting.
2024 Betfred World Matchplay.
Monday July 15.
First Round x4.
Ryan Searle 10-4 Damon Heta.
Michael Smith 10-5 Gary Anderson.
Michael van Gerwen 10-6 Luke Littler.
Chris Dobey 10-7 Ritchie Edhouse.
Tuesday July 16 (1900 BST).
Second Round x4.
Gerwyn Price v Ross Smith.
Nathan Aspinall v James Wade.
Luke Humphries v Stephen Bunting.
Jonny Clayton v Dimitri Van den Bergh.
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