• PDC World Championship

Taylor suffers shock loss to Smith

ESPN staff
December 21, 2013
Phil Taylor will not be defending his title in 2014 © PA Photos
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Phil Taylor's bid to win a 17th World Championship is over after he was sent crashing out of the tournament by Michael Smith.

Taylor exit to spark next generation into life

Who will win now Taylor is out? © Getty Images
  • Phil Taylor's early exit from the PDC World Championship has blown the door wide open for the chasing field - but who will have the bottle to step up and lift the trophy at Ally Pally?
  • Read Rob Bartlett's predictions here

'The Power' defeated Michael van Gerwen at the start of the year to be crowned world champion, but after struggling in his opening match at the Alexandra Palace on the opening night last week, Taylor was stunned by PDC Unicorn World Youth champion Smith in seven thrilling sets.

Taylor checked out 156 to pinch the opening leg from Smith, and went on to take the first set. Smith hit back to finish 121 on the bull and clinch the second set.

Smith missed two darts at double top to take the third set, allowing Taylor to move into the lead once more. However, Smith once again showed great determination to come storming back, and forced a final set as Taylor began to struggle with his scoring.

And Smith timed a 180 to perfection in the final set and needing to win by two clear legs, as he completed a memorable victory with 128 on the bull to defeat Taylor.

"I'm lost for words. Nobody expected me to win and I had no pressure on me tonight, but I showed I've got fight in me, I've got tenacity and I proved I can play darts on TV," Smith said after the win.

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