Limerick man Willie O'Connor has exited the PDC World Darts Championship after he fell to a 4-2 loss over Michael Smith in the third round.
O'Connor started the quicker of the two and put himself a set in front but it was the second set that proved pivotal; O'Connor failed to break Smith's throw and relinquishing the opportunity to go two sets in front.
Smith came back with aplomb and his snatching of the second set proved to be a launchpad for more success; he stormed into a 3-1 lead as he found his groove and looked to put O'Connor away for good.
A nip-and-tuck fifth set had to go O'Connor's way if he was to stay in the game, and survive he did to make it 3-2.
It wasn't to be, however, as Smith rallied and eventually took the sixth set on a scoreline of 3-2 to progress to the last 16 of the competition.
Elsewhere, O'Connor's Republic of Ireland teammate Steve Lennon will go up against Mervyn King tomorrow afternoon.
Following this, Daryl Gurney will take on 2018 champion Rob Cross in what promises to be a riveting showdown.
The Derryman is the highest ranked Irish player left in the tournament.
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