Top seed Francis Hoenselaar was sensationally dumped out of the world
championship by unknown 23-year-old Stephanie Smee.
The Gosport-based baker was on a roll, needing just 21
minutes to create one of the biggest shocks ever in the eight year history of
the event.
Smee, who only took up the sport four years ago said:
“I am really pleased, I didn’t feel nervous up on stage but Francis did not play
as well as she can. When she missed doubles in the first leg it gave me a big
boost.
“When I was throwing in
the deciding leg I did not think about the victory but just concentrated on
playing. I have a lot of belief in my ability, although I am just a baby on the
international circuit,” admitted Smee.
She had laid the
foundations for her shock win, sneaking the first leg of the match against the
throw after Hoenselaar missed a surprising eight doubles.
The six foot tall Hampshire player then held her nerve
to take the next with an impressive 101 checkout, finished on double tops and
then silenced the army of Dutch fans as she exited on bull to take the opening
set.
Both players suffered double trouble at the start of
the second set, which eventually went to the Dutch Crown.
The
Rotterdam
sharpshooter fired out a maximum in the next but then fluffed further double
opportunities, allowing the English player to level, turning the screw by taking
the next leg on double five.
More missed doubles from
the top seed opened the door for Smee to score her biggest win in darts striking
home double 10 with her second dart.