ANDY SMITH 3-0 COLIN MONK
(3-2, 3-1, 3-1)
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ANDY SMITH celebrated his Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship debut with a 3-0 win over Colin Monk.
Smith was the highest-ranked player to miss out on automatic qualification for the tournament after lifting himself to 33rd in the world rankings.
However, he ensured a berth in the second round with a solid display to see off his close friend.
He edged the first set 3-2 after Monk missed double top to go ahead, and piled on the pressure by taking a 2-0 lead in the second.
While Monk pulled back the third leg, Smith hit double top to take the set.
Smith - nicknamed the Pie Man - then won the next 3-1 to set up a second round meeting with American Ray Carver.
"Colin didn't play as well as he can and once you get in front you've got to take advantage, and that's what I did," said Smith.
"I kept steady and stepped in when he made mistakes, and things went well for me. I hit the doubles, and that's the main thing.
"I've got great respect for him, he's a top bloke and a brilliant darts player but it was a bit one-sided today.
"I'm just glad that I've done okay."
Smith has struggled with ligament damage in his elbow throughout 2005, but said: "It was okay today.
"I've ripped some ligaments in my arm and a sports physio has given me massage, but it hasn't quite knitted back together.
"I still get pain after playing in tournaments over a weekend, but hopefully it will be okay for the rest of the tournament."
Match Stats
|
Colin Monk |
0-3 |
Andy Smith |
|
23 |
100+ |
21 |
|
8 |
140+ |
8 |
|
- |
180 |
3 |
|
26.79 |
Ave1 |
29.26 |
|
80.36 |
Ave3 |
87.77 |