German Darts Grand Prix: Michael Smith impressing in Munich
Michael Smith put in the performance of the competition so far with a 6-2 victory over Chris Dobey as the second round of the German Darts Grand Prix concluded at the Zenith in Munich.
A four-time European Tour winner, Smith posted a whopping 105.38 average as he stormed to victory.
The 27-year-old, who is flying high in the Unibet Premier League, landed seven 180s and 37.5 per cent on the doubles on his way to the third round.
"My form in the Premier League is really helping me," said Smith.
"But I’m not playing like I did today in the Premier League. I’m getting by with 93 or 94 averages, not over 100.
"My doubles have been really good though, and if I can do both here than I hope I can go far."
World champion Rob Cross was also impressive in a hard-fought 6-4 victory over Jonny Clayton, averaging 104.16 in the process.
The Welshman took out a spectacular 161 checkout to lead 3-2, and missed darts to go further ahead before being clawed back by Cross, who was more clinical on the doubles.
Reigning champion Michael van Gerwen was made to work as he put in a lacklustre display in a last-leg victory over Steve Lennon.
Recovering from 4-2 down, Lennon missed two darts to break and throw for the match, allowing Van Gerwen to lead once more.
He then forced a decider with an 86 checkout in two, but stuttered in the final leg as Van Gerwen hobbled through to face Alan Norris in the third round
An unbelievable display of finishing saw Joe Cullen progress in the first game of the evening session.
Trailing Yordi Meeuwisse 5-4, the 28-year-old fired a 120 checkout to force a decider, before breaking throw and sealing the win with an incredible 164 outshot.
Ian White put in a solid performance, averaging just over 100 as he beat Stephen Bunting 6-4.
James Wade’s resurgence on the European Tour continued as he saw off Jelle Klaasen by the same scoreline.
Peter Wright, who reached the final of the first European Tour event of 2018 in Leverkusen last weekend, was made to work as he saw off Josh Payne 6-3.
Having had his luggage go missing in transit to Munich, the Premier League star was playing with a set of darts acquired just 15 minutes before his game.
Nevertheless, the former UK Open Champion still managed to land five 180s and 46.15 per cent on his doubles as he progressed.
In an incredible afternoon session at the Zenith, six of the eight seeded players exited the competition.
Luke Humphries kicked off the shocks as he averaged over 100 in a resounding victory over Gerwyn Price, who continues to struggle.
In arguably the game of the day, Darren Webster averaged 101.18 and landed three ton-plus checkouts as he recovered from 5-3 down to beat Dave Chisnall
Home-favourite Max Hopp progressed to the final day of European Tour action for the first time in two years as he beat Mervyn King 6-4.
The young German, who has struggled for form in recent times, showed maturity that has often escaped him to recover from 4-3 down to seal the win.
Kim Huybrechts was the next to fall as he lost 6-3 to Steve West, whilst Alan Tabern squeezed past Kyle Anderson 6-5 to progress.
Keegan Brown then fired his highest ever on-stage average with 103.2 as he beat Premier League star Simon Whitlock 6-4.
Alan Norris bucked the trend for the seeds as he raced past Toni Alcinas 6-1, whilst Daryl Gurney eased past Ryan Meikle 6-3.
The German Darts Grand Prix concludes tomorrow with the third round, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final.
Sunday April 1
Afternoon Session
Second Round (best of 11 legs)
- Gerwyn Price 1-6 Luke Humphries
- Dave Chisnall 5-6 Darren Webster
- Kim Huybrechts 3-6 Steve West
- Mervyn King 4-6 Max Hopp
- Kyle Anderson 5-6 Alan Tabern
- Simon Whitlock 4-6 Keegan Brown
- Alan Norris 6-1 Toni Alcinas
- Daryl Gurney 6-3 Ryan Meikle
Evening Session
Second Round (best of 11 legs)
- Joe Cullen 6-5 Yordi Meeuwisse
- Ian White 6-4 Stephen Bunting
- Jelle Klaasen 4-6 James Wade
- Michael Smith 6-2 Chris Dobey
- Peter Wright 6-3 Josh Payne
- Mensur Suljovic 6-4 Danny Noppert
- Michael van Gerwen 6-5 Steve Lennon
- Rob Cross 6-4 Jonny Clayton
Monday April 2
Afternoon Session (1200 BST)
Third Round (Best of 11 legs)
- Michael van Gerwen v Alan Norris
- Keegan Brown v Darren Webster
- Daryl Gurney v Ian White
- Rob Cross v Luke Humphries
- Peter Wright v Alan Tabern
- Joe Cullen v Steve West
- Mensur Suljovic v Max Hopp
- Michael Smith v James Wade
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