Darts Ross Smith Gives Dirk van Duijvenbode a Cheeky Wave Off Stage before Dutchman Wins Epic
- last year
Ross Smith gave opponent Dirk van Duijvenbode an impudent wave off stage after leveling their record-breaking World Darts Championship clash at one set all - before 'Titan' triumphed in an Ally Pally epic and celebrated wildly.
Brit Smith, 33, clinched the set with a double eight, leading the Dutchman, 30, to frustratedly walk off stage immediately in a classic encounter, which saw a record 30 180s in a best-of-seven-set match.
And 'Smudger' celebrated by puffing his cheeks out - before responding to Van Duijvenbode's exit with a cheeky wave goodbye - reminiscent of James Wade against Simon Whitlock - as the needle at the PDC tournament continued.
It marks yet another explosive clash at the Haringey venue, with plenty of games involving clashes between players and testy moments.
Earlier on Thursday, Dutch star Michael van Gerwen was slammed by fans and pundits after declining a match dart to let Mensur Suljovic throw at 161.
He was then left with an egg on his face as the Austrian punished him with an incredible check out - leaving Van Gerwen accused of being 'disrespectful'.
On Wednesday, Gary Anderson sparked a row with an 'off-stage comment' that left rival Chris Dobey 'annoyed'.
But Dobey later recovered to knock the Scot, a two-time world champion, out of the tournament in a 4-1 triumph.
Van Duijvenbode eventually triumphed 4-3 in sudden death after Smith had missed five match darts, before sportingly embracing Smith and encouraging the crowd to applaud his opponent.
Brit Smith, 33, clinched the set with a double eight, leading the Dutchman, 30, to frustratedly walk off stage immediately in a classic encounter, which saw a record 30 180s in a best-of-seven-set match.
And 'Smudger' celebrated by puffing his cheeks out - before responding to Van Duijvenbode's exit with a cheeky wave goodbye - reminiscent of James Wade against Simon Whitlock - as the needle at the PDC tournament continued.
It marks yet another explosive clash at the Haringey venue, with plenty of games involving clashes between players and testy moments.
Earlier on Thursday, Dutch star Michael van Gerwen was slammed by fans and pundits after declining a match dart to let Mensur Suljovic throw at 161.
He was then left with an egg on his face as the Austrian punished him with an incredible check out - leaving Van Gerwen accused of being 'disrespectful'.
On Wednesday, Gary Anderson sparked a row with an 'off-stage comment' that left rival Chris Dobey 'annoyed'.
But Dobey later recovered to knock the Scot, a two-time world champion, out of the tournament in a 4-1 triumph.
Van Duijvenbode eventually triumphed 4-3 in sudden death after Smith had missed five match darts, before sportingly embracing Smith and encouraging the crowd to applaud his opponent.