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Dover’s Ross Smith beats Niels Zonneveld to progress into the PDC World Championship Third Round – but concedes he was nowhere near his best

05:00, 21 December 2023

updated: 09:40, 21 December 2023

Ross Smith progressed to the Third Round of this year’s PDC World Championship on Wednesday – but admitted he performed nowhere near his best.

The World No.16, from Dover, was rarely troubled on his way to a 3-1 win over Netherlands’ Niels Zonneveld.

Dover's Ross Smith. Picture: Lawrence Lustig/PDC
Dover's Ross Smith. Picture: Lawrence Lustig/PDC

“It’s a win, it wasn’t a great game I know Niels struggled in his first game and he struggled then again to be fair,” Smith told Sky Sports.

“I didn’t play anywhere near how I can either. I’m just so happy with a win, to get through the (second) round.”

The highlight for 34-year-old Smith was a 170 checkout – ironically at the start of the only set he lost.

“It’s about the only thing I did do,” said Smith.

“I kept trying to have some fire in the belly but it was just really difficult.

“Leading up to this the last couple of days I’ve been a bit nervy, everyone just wants to get through the first (game).

“I’m happy now. I will relax and, hopefully, you’ll see a better Ross.”

Smith will face either Chris Dobey or Willie O’Connor, who meet on Friday.

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