Smiffy Ends Magowan Hopes

Dennis Smith 4-0 John Magowan (3-1, 3-1, 3-1, 3-2)
Sky Bet World Grand Prix Quarter-Finals

JOHN MAGOWAN suffered disappointment at the end of a memorable week with a 4-0 defeat to Dennis Smith in the Sky Bet World Grand Prix quarter-finals.

Magowan, a qualifier from Donaghadee in Northern Ireland, reached the last eight for the first time with a win over Peter Manley on Thursday.

He was then transported by helicopter on Friday to son Peter's wedding in Cavan before returning to the Citywest Hotel for his clash with Smith.

However, there was to be no fairytale ending for the 64-year-old, who could not lift his game one more time.

"It's been a brilliant week, but I didn't turn up tonight," said Magowan. "Dennis played well and did what he had to do but I struggled to get away.

"It's been a busy day and I've enjoyed it. The helicopter ride was great and it was a proud day for me and my family."

Smith, who also reached the quarter-finals of July's World Matchplay, now faces former mentor Phil Taylor in Saturday's semi-final.

"I'm looking forward to it," said Smith. "I'm over the moon that my career is coming back together after a bad year.

"I made the quarter-finals at Blackpool and now the semi-finals here and I'm going to go out there and enjoy myself."

He added: "All I had to do was play my own darts. I love John to bits but I don't think I was just playing him but 1500 people as well.

"To be honest, he never turned up but I had to keep doing what I had to do."