Michael Smith vs Niels Zonneveld Preview & Prediction | 2025-26 PDC World Darts Championship | Second Round
2023 World Darts Championship winner Michael Smith advanced to the second round with minimum fuss against Lisa Ashton and now takes on Niels Zonneveld.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Peacock
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Peacock Premium
Michael Smith vs Niels Zonneveld prediction
Whilst Michael Smith’s finishing was far from pristine last time out, you’d expect him to improve on that here now that the first-round jitters are out of the way. Smith averaged 91.19 in round one with three maximums and seven scores of 140 or more. But nine successful doubles from a possible 25 emphasises the need to improve on that front.
Niels Zonneveld was also a straight-sets winner in the opening round at Ally Pally and he even averaged higher than Smith in his first round. Haupai Puna had no answer to Zonneveld’s scoring prowess and a similar showing on this occasion from the Dutchman will put Smith under some pressure.
Smith is currently struggling with arthritis issues and reportedly needed pain-killing injections to get him through the first round. Expect him to be pushed hard by Zonneveld and whilst backing Bullyboy has to be favoured, don’t be surprised if his opponents takes at least one set in the process.
Michael Smith vs Niels Zonneveld tip: Michael Smith to win and over 3.5 total sets
