Kevin Doets comes into his World Matchplay Debut in the form of his career, having won his first Title, but – perhaps more impressively – reached 13 Quarter-Finals so far in 2026.
Doets had been tipped to go far in the sport, having made back-to-back Last 16’s at the World Championship, and this year has certainly been the turning point.
From the insanity of four 110+ averages this year – including a 117.12 on the European Tour – to his run to the Final of the Austrian Darts Open, Hawkeye is certainly the name that the seeds didn’t want to draw. Ross Smith, however, is in some good form himself.
At the sixth time of asking, Smudger finally got over the line to win his first European Tour Title in Riesa just two months ago, as well as picking up two titles on the floor. It is undeniable that Smith has pulled himself back up to the levels he was at when he achieved European Championship success in 2022.
He returns to the World Matchplay for the fifth time in his career but has only won his opening game on one previous occasion, when he beat Josh Rock and Gerwyn Price to reach the Quarter-Finals two years ago.
The pair have met on seven occasions over the last four years, with Kevin Doets winning four of them, including their most recent meeting in May.
However, every single one of their previous meetings have come in Players Championship events, low pressure and short format.
While their eighth meeting promises fireworks, it could also feature a lot of nerves, a meeting that could certainly accelerate the career of the young Dutchman.
Images: PDC
Words: Thomas Nankivell
