Kevin Doets secures surprise win over former world champion Michael Smith

Kevin Doets celebrates his win over Michael Smith. Picture: Bradley Collyer/PA

Michael Smith’s alarming run of form continued as he crashed out of the World Championship at the first hurdle in a stunning defeat to Kevin Doets.

Smith’s form has spiralled since he became world champion in 2023 and it hit a new low after Doets won a deciding set tiebreak 6-4 to claim a 3-2 victory.