2024 World Matchplay: Michael Smith Delivers Demolition Job Over Rob Cross
Michael Smith booked his place in the 2024 World Matchplay semi finals, with a 16-7 win over Rob Cross.
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In the last quarterfinal of the 2024 World Matchplay, fans witnessed a thrilling replay of the 2019 final as former world champion Michael Smith faced off against Rob Cross, the victor of that memorable night.
Rampant Bully Boy
In a bid to win his first-ever World Matchplay crown, Smith charged onto the stage with the intensity of a rampant bull, winning four of the first five legs to take an early lead against the in-form Cross.
Bully Boy's onslaught continued into the second mini session, again comfortably winning four out of five legs to surge ahead 8-2, halfway to victory in the race to 16 legs, all within just 20 minutes of on-stage action.
The clinical Cross, to whom fans have become accustomed recently, was completely absent, managing a shocking checkout percentage of just 12.5% at this stage of the match.
Cross Lacked Spark
Double 16 proved to be Cross's undoing as his struggles persisted. Five more legs went by, with Smith again outplaying his opponent by winning three of them, extending his lead to an unexpected 11-4.
Cross began to create some opportunities with improved scoring, but Smith remained ruthless, capitalising on the slower pace from the Hastings-born thrower.
As the match entered its final mini-session, Smith held a commanding 14-6 lead, just two legs away from securing a spot in the semi-finals.
Image credit: PDC
Smith Gets the Job Done
It almost felt like a bye into the semifinals for Smith, as Cross simply didn’t turn up to the occasion, unlike the 2019 final.
Smith would eventually win the match 16-7, securing a spot in his third ever World Matchplay semi-final, where the three-time champion Michael van Gerwen will meet him.
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