Michael Smith has his sights set on a fifth career European Tour win as he heads into the final day of the HappyBet German Darts Grand Prix tomorrow.
The world number nine, who won the Gibraltar Darts Trophy in May, defied seven 180s and a missed match dart from Jamie Lewis before escaping with a 6-5 win from a thriller with the Welsh youngster earlier today.
“My partner was due to give birth a few days ago so I’m waiting for a message that she’s gone into labour!” admitted Smith.
“The only thing I’ve come here for is to win the tournament and I’ve done it four times before, so I don’t see why I can’t make it a fifth tomorrow.”
Smith now plays Joe Cullen, who produced a hugely impressive 108.30 average and hit four 180s and half of his darts at a double in a superb 6-3 win over Tony Martinez, the Belgian debutant who had won through to the second round.
Benito van de Pas was also in a clinical mood as he overcame Jamie Caven 6-3, finishing 6/9 on his doubles after opening the game with a 104 checkout to set up a tie with Darren Webster, who knocked out seeded Alan Norris 6-3.
World number 99 Nathan Aspinall also finished six doubles from nine attempts as he defeated sixth ranked Dave Chisnall 6-2.
Aspinall now meets former European Championship winner Simon Whitlock, who was a 6-2 victor against Sweden’s Daniel Larsson to begin his bid to claim a second European Tour title.
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