Overview
- The deciding leg became a marathon of nerves as Dobey missed 11 match darts before Smith finally checked out on double-4 with his tenth opportunity.
- Momentum swung wildly throughout, with Dobey leading 5-2 and Smith later up 8-6 before the contest reached a 9-9 decider.
- Commentators labeled the finale bizarre, with Mark Webster and Dan Dawson expressing disbelief at the prolonged struggle to hit the winning double.
- The win gives Smith his first Grand Slam quarterfinal since his 2022 title run, offering a timely lift after a dip in form.
- Played late at WV Active Aldersley in Wolverhampton, the match ended with an emotional embrace as Smith visibly shook with relief.