Dutch darts sensation Jimmy van Schie made his highly anticipated PDC TV debut at the World Masters, delivering a performance that showcased his immense potential. Despite a thrilling and hard-fought battle, Van Schie ultimately fell short to the experienced world number 16, Ross Smith, losing 3-1 in sets. The match was packed with drama, including Van Schie’s stunning 10-darter in his very first leg on a PDC stage and a pivotal 150 checkout from Smith that swung the momentum. While a loss, this debut marks a significant milestone for the promising Dutchman, hinting at a bright future in professional darts.
Fresh from securing his PDC Tour Card, Dutch giant Jimmy van Schie stepped onto the big stage for his televised debut at the prestigious World Masters. His journey to this point was impressive, having navigated a tough qualification tournament earlier in the week with notable victories over:
- Chris Landman
- Richard Veenstra
- Scott Williams
This remarkable run set up a captivating clash against the formidable world number 16, Ross Smith, on Friday evening. Van Schie was one of only three Dutch players remaining in the tournament at this stage, with only Gian van Veen having successfully advanced past the first round.
The Match: A Battle of Nerves and Skill
Set 1: Van Schie’s Explosive Start Undone
The match began with Ross Smith throwing first, but it was Jimmy van Schie who burst out of the blocks. The Dutchman marked his maiden PDC stage appearance by winning his very first leg with a sensational 10-darter! However, he couldn’t convert this early brilliance into a set win. Smith quickly responded with a 14-darter and a 16-darter to take the opening set 2-1, seizing a 1-0 lead in sets.
Set 2: The Dutch Sequoia Levels Up
The second set saw all legs go with the throw. Exhibiting composure, “The Dutch Sequoia” secured his legs with a 13-darter and a 19-darter, leveling the match at 1-1 in sets. The tension was palpable as both players traded blows.
Set 3: Smith’s Stunning 150 Checkout Changes Everything
Van Schie once again started strong in the third set, which was Smith’s throw. He broke immediately with a 14-darter and seemed poised to take the set, leaving himself on tops after just 12 darts. But fate had other plans. In a critical moment, “Smudger” Smith delivered a breathtaking 150 checkout, breaking back against the throw and completely shifting the momentum. A subsequent 16-darter was enough for Smith to clinch the set 2-1, putting him 2-1 ahead in sets.
Set 4: Missed Opportunities and Smith’s Clinical Finish
The fourth set mirrored the intensity of the previous ones, with the first two legs going with the darts. Van Schie showed his class with an 86-finish, while Smith responded with a 14-darter. The third leg of the set proved decisive. Van Schie had three crucial darts at a double to force a deciding fifth set, but he couldn’t convert under pressure. Seizing the opportunity, the world number 16 calmly stepped up and sealed the match with a clinical finish on double 8, securing a 3-1 victory (2-1, 1-2, 2-1, 2-1 in legs).
Match Statistics: A Close Contest
The statistics highlight just how closely contested this encounter was:
- Ross Smith:
- Average: 94.13
- Double Percentage: 36.8%
- Jimmy van Schie:
- Average: 93.23
- Double Percentage: 45.5%
Despite the loss, Jimmy van Schie’s debut performance against a top-tier player like Ross Smith demonstrated his potential and ability to compete at the highest level. Fans will undoubtedly be eager to see more from “The Dutch Sequoia” as his PDC career progresses.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
