Michael Smith's run of form since becoming world champion in 2023 has taken a downturn, culminating in an early exit after a stunning defeat to Kevin Doets. Smith was notably seeded second but will fall out of the top 10 rankings next year. His exit marks a significant change from his victorious run in the previous championship, signaling a potential decline in performance as he faces the repercussions of his unexpected early elimination.
Kevin Doets expressed how anxious he felt during his match against Michael Smith, detailing how tightly contested it was. He reflected on last year’s competition, where he also faced Smith, stating, 'Last year I won the bull and he won 3-2. This year he won the bull and I thought to myself, I’m gonna win it 3-2.' Doets articulated the stress of the match and the sheer joy he felt crossing the finish line with a victory that meant so much to him.
The early exits of top-seeded players at the world championship have created a ripple effect in the tournament. Gabriel Clemens, the third seed, was eliminated by Rob Owen, following the defeats of James Wade and Mike De Decker. These results highlight the unpredictable nature of the competition, where even established players cannot guarantee their position against lower-ranked opponents, showcasing the intense level of competition present in the championship.
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