Michael Smith was on the end of a huge upset as he was thrashed by Canadian veteran Jim Long at the US Darts Masters.
The world champion went into the latest World Series of Darts event at New York’s Madison Square Garden as the defending champion but he left the famous arena having won just two legs following a chastening defeat.
The 55-year-old produced the performance of his career to dispatch Smith 6-2, defying five 180s from the St Helens thrower to seal his place in the quarter-finals, where he will face another great of the game, Michael van Gerwen.
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“I’m still taking it in. Michael is the cream of the crop. I’m ecstatic,” said Long, who landed three 180s and produced checkouts of 97 and 115.
“This is the biggest win of my career by far. I was so nervous. I had so many friends here tonight so it’s a very special moment for me. It’s an honour to play these guys. As North American dart players, it’s a real blessing to have the opportunity to play the best players in the world.”
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In another upset, Long’s compatriot Jeff Smith also progressed, punishing a below-par display from Peter Wright. Snakebite – sporting a change of grip as well as a change of darts – made a sluggish start and was suitably punished by the CDC Cross-Border Challenge winner.
Smith grew in confidence as the match progressed, taking out 108 to move to the cusp of victory, before defying an 11-dart skin-saver from the Scot to celebrate victory.
“I’ve had a lot of good games with Peter over the last few years,” said Smith, who will face Nathan Aspinall in the last eight. “My combination finishing is my claim to fame. If I am hitting doubles I’m going to beat people, and if I’m not, the chances are I’m going out pretty quickly.
“Peter was not at his best there and you just have to roll with the punches and take your chances, and I managed to do that.”
Long and Smith will also face each other in New York, with the North American Darts Championship running alongside the US Masters. The pair will meet in the quarter-finals of that event.
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