ST HELENS darter Michael Smith suffered a shock defeat at the hands of William Hill World Championship debutant Jason Lowe at London s Alexandra Palace on Wednesday. World number four Smith became the highest seed to lose their opening tie when Lowe produced an excellent display earn a 3-1 victory. The 48-year-old builder from Cradley Heath, who won his PDC Tour Card at Qualifying School at the start of 2020, hit seven 180s and averaged over 96 in an impressive triumph. This is the biggest win of my career and it feels amazing to do it at this tournament against one of the best players in the world, said Lowe, who had beaten Dmitriy Gorbunov in the first round.
Smith stunned by Lowe as Anderson advances on Day Nine
Michael Smith suffered a shock defeat at the hands of William Hill World Championship debutant Jason Lowe, while Gary Anderson s bid to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for a third time began with a comfortable win over Madars Razma at London s Alexandra Palace on Wednesday.
The final day of pre-Christmas action also saw two-time semi-finalist Nathan Aspinall survive an almighty scare in a thriller against Scott Waites as the second round drew to a close in dramatic fashion.
World number four Smith became the highest seed to lose their opening tie when Lowe produced an excellent display earn a 3-1 victory.