DENNIS Smith sealed his place as one of the top 32 players for the UK Open next month by reaching the fourth round of the final qualifying event in Birmingham yesterday.
The veteran went into the weekend having all-but ensured he would not enter the tournament until the Friday, but added another £600 to his order of merit total with victories over Andy Brown, Denis Ovens, Reece Robinson and Hans Hagley.
It could have been even better for Smith, but he lost his tight fourth round clash to James Hubbard, who took out a 157 finish to win 6-5 after Smiffy missed a dart at double 12 for the match.
The 42-year-old struggled to get going the previous day and lost his preliminary match 6-5 to Chris Thompson, while Johnny Haines lost 6-3 to Michael van Gerwen, and youngster Chris Aubrey lost out 6-2 to experienced pro Ronnie Baxter.
Aubrey went into the two-day event looking for vital prize money to make it to Bolton, but lost 6-3 to Mareno Michals on day two having beaten Adrian Bolitho 6-2 in the preliminary round.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here