THE FACTS
When is Michael Smith vs Jamie Hughes taking place? Sunday 21st July, 2019
Where is Michael Smith vs Jamie Hughes taking place? Winter Gardens, Blackpool
What channel is Michael Smith vs Jamie Hughes on? Sky Sports Arena
Where can I stream Michael Smith vs Jamie Hughes? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Michael Smith vs Jamie Hughes? Check https://www.pdc.tv/betfred-world-matchplay-tickets for ticket information
THE STATISTICS
All-time meetings: Michael Smith 1-0 Jamie Hughes
Last meeting: Michael Smith 6-0 Jamie Hughes
THE PLAYERS
MICHAEL SMITH
- Michael Smith is appearing at the World Matchplay for the seventh time and his record at Winter Gardens is not a particularly good one as he has yet to make it past the second round.
- Although he did win a TV tournament in 2018 in Shanghai, it seems only a matter of time before he claims a major title as his consistency on the big stage has improved over the last 18 months, resulting in a run to the final at the 2018 Premier League and more recently an appearance in the final at the World Championship in January.
- Smith looked in good form in his most recent TV tournament at the US Darts Masters only a couple of weeks ago when he claimed the scalp of Michael van Gerwen on his way to reaching the final where he lost against a very impressive Nathan Aspinall.
JAMIE HUGHES
- Jamie Hughes is making his World Matchplay debut having earned his spot by winning the Czech Open which was the very last event before the qualification cut-off.
- That victory on the Euro Tour not only gave Hughes his first main tour PDC title but the cheque of £25,000 also landed him the biggest winners prize of his career.
- He failed to win a tour card when he first made the move across from the BDO in early 2018 but having won his card at 2019 Q School he has produced a number of impressive performances on the tour this season.
THE PREDICTION
This encounter promises to be one of the most certain must-watch ties of the opening round with the very talented Michael Smith taking on the impressive Jamie Hughes who is likely to be full of belief following his recent Czech Open win. It would be no surprise to see both players pushing each other hard which will lead to a high-quality match capable of going all the way into extra-legs with Smith tipped to just get over the line.
