Lakeside shook, rattled and absolutely detonated under the weight of a volcanic display from Oceania’s finest, as Raymond Smith and Ben Robb unleashed a tungsten tempest to surge past former world champions and fresh faced newcomers alike on a night of chaos, carnage and wide-eyed disbelief.
Australian Raymond “The Guru” Smith, considered one of the favourites by many, offered a masterclass in calm annihilation, swatting aside Clint Clarkson with a cool, clinical 90 average. Canadian hopes briefly rose — and then evaporated like mist under a Queensland sun. Smith turned down an opportunity to return to the PDC World Championship, at London's Alexandra Palace later this month, in order to pursue the storied WDF Lakeside title and so far he seems well on course.
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But it was New Zealander Robb who made the bigger statement! The big man from the Southern Hemisphere didn’t just win — he announced himself. A monstrous 96.29 average, the highest seen on the Lakeside stage this year, was enough to defeat former champion Neil Duff. Duff, the 2022 king of this very arena, could only stand and watch as the Kiwi colossus tore through him with the ferocity of a man who has decided destiny belongs to him now. It was the kind of performance that makes every other competitor immediately sit up and notice.
The evening’s festivities had begun with sixteenth seed Paul Krohne, the German stone-faced assassin, stamping out the spirited campaign of Dalibor Smolík. The Czech cult hero — infamous for his inexplicable mid-leg wanderings last time out — found no escape routes this time. Krohne slammed the door shut, locked it, and threw away the key.
Then came the first seismic shock of the session: Maria Carli, the lone Canadian warrior in the women’s field, produced a roaring upset to flatten fourth seed Nicole Regnaud in straight sets. The Kiwis soared earlier in the day, but Regnaud found herself plummeting without a parachute as Carli played the match of her career. If Rhian O’Sullivan survives her date with Jitka Cisarova, the Welsh titan may soon have a North American storm blowing her way.
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But Lakeside wasn’t done throwing curveballs. Eighth seed Corné Groeneveld became the latest victim of this tournament’s insatiable hunger for chaos as Finland’s Jonas Masalin dragged him through a five-set thriller and then thundered over the finish line. His prize? A date with reigning champion Shane McGuirk — hardly the gentle embrace he may have wished for.
In the women’s draw, new top seed Lerena Rietbergen assumed the post vacated by Beau Greaves — and promptly found herself in a Dutch civil war against Aletta Wajer. It wasn’t serene. It wasn’t simple. But when the final set roared into view, Rietbergen grabbed destiny by the throat and hauled herself into the next round. It could be another from her nation in Aileen De Graaf. If not, Eve Watson will be the woman she faces next.
HISTORY OF DARTS: The First 30 years at Lakeside
But let’s not kid ourselves. This night belonged to the oche equivalent of ANZAC warriors. Robb's was statement win for the ages. A performance dripping in defiance, aggression and brilliance. Duff didn’t collapse. He didn’t falter. He simply ran into a man playing darts from the heavens.
MONDAY 1st DECEMBER - RESULTS
Open Round 2: Paul Krohne (16) 3-1 Dalibor Smolik
Women's Round 2: Nicole Regnaud (4) 0-2 Maria Carli
Open Round 2: Raymond Smith (11) 3-0 Clint Clarkson
Open Round 2: Corne Groeneveld (8) 2-3 Jonas Masalin
Women's Round 2: Lerena Rietbergen (1) 2-1 Aletta Wajer
Open Round 2: Neil Duff (3) 1-3 Ben Robb
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