Niels Zonneveld says he wants “to break into the top 32 by the end of next year” after producing a major upset to beat world number 28 Michael Smith in the PDC World Darts Championships.
An upset at Ally Pally
Zonneveld and St Helens dart ace Smith went head-to-head in what initially looked set to be a tight contest, with the first two sets shared.
However, a clinical display from the Dutchman saw him take his chances and win the next two sets to defeat the Englishman 3–1.
Zonneveld’s pressure on Smith increased as the match progressed.
The opening leg was a close affair, with the Dutch player edging it after Smith was left on 55, as Zonneveld checked out 52.
The Dutchman then stepped up a gear, winning the next two legs.
Smith briefly threatened a comeback by taking the third leg, but those hopes were quickly extinguished as Zonneveld won the fourth to claim the opening set, with Smith stranded on 205.
Smith responded strongly in the second set, recovering from a leg down to win three legs on the bounce.
He found his scoring touch, hitting maximums and improving on the doubles to level the match at one set apiece.
From the third set onwards, however, momentum swung firmly in Zonneveld’s favour.
The deciding leg of the set was closely fought, with both players struggling to score 100+.
The pair stayed neck and neck throughout the set, but a missed dart at double for a 132 checkout from Smith proved costly.
Zonneveld capitalised, returning to check out 40 with his second dart at double 10.
Zonneveld then swept through the final set, taking all three legs.
Smith narrowly missed a big fish attempt at the bullseye in the final leg, allowing the Dutchman to check out 94 and seal a famous 3–1 victory.
“My main goal is the top 32”
Speaking after the match, Zonneveld said: “It means a lot — I can’t describe how much it means, it’s the biggest victory of my career so far.
“My main goal is to get into the top 32 by the end of next year.
“I’m focusing on that, but right now my focus is on the World Championship.”
The Dutchman will now face Jonny Clayton in the third round — a milestone for Zonneveld, who has never progressed this far in the competition.
He added: “Jonny is a world-class player, so I’ll need to be at my best but first, I want to enjoy Christmas with my family.”
Click here to see Niels Zooneveld answer my question:
(Featured imaged by PDC)
