Michael Smith vs Niels Zonneveld Prediction & Betting Tips - World Darts Championship
PDC World Darts Championship - World Darts Championship
New customers only | Commercial content | 18+ age limit | T&Cs apply
by Devesh Jaganath | in PDC World Darts Championship Predictions
Saturday’s evening session in Round 2 at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship kicks off with Michael Smith taking on Niels Zonneveld. The winner of this match between Bully Boy and Triple Z will meet either Jonny Clayton or Dom Taylor in the third round. Let’s get into the match prediction.
The 2023 champion Michael Smith made a storming start to this year’s World Championships by defeating Lisa Ashton 3-0 on the opening night of the competition at the Ally Pally.
Bully Boy was superior in almost every statistical category in that match, averaging 91.19, including three 180s. He made 9/25 checkout attempts and recorded a highest checkout of 88.
Smith has won four of his last 10 matches, but has only lost one of his last five previous encounters against his upcoming opponent.
Meanwhile, Niels Zonneveld is into round two of the World Championship for a second year in succession after a very impressive whitewash victory over Haupai Puha last Friday.
Triple Z controlled the match from the off with a solid 92.68 average, which included three 180s. He also made 36% of his checkout attempts and pinned a massive 158 highest checkout.
Zonneveld has won six of his last 10 matches. His only victory over Smith was at the Players Championship 10 back in 2022.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Michael Smith - Niels Zonneveld Key Points
- Michael Smith is ranked 16 places above Zonneveld in the PDC Order of Merit.
- Michael Smith won this tournament in 2023.
- Michael Smith has won three of his last five matches in all competitions.
- Michael Smith has won four of his previous five matches against this opponent.
Limited Offer. Currently at Stake
Our Michael Smith vs Niels Zonneveld Prediction
After a couple of difficult years owing to personal and health issues, it is a joy to see Michael Smith competing at a high level once again, and his fans will be hoping there is a fairytale in the making for him at the Ally Pally this year.
However, this is not going to be an easy task for Bully Boy against an opponent who has been steadily climbing the ranks in recent times. As the odds suggest, this one could go either way, but we’re going with the former champ to keep it close. Our Michael Smith vs Niels Zonneveld prediction is Michael Smith +1.5.
Get up to €100 to bet on the Michael Smith vs. Niels Zonneveld game
You can get yourself up to €150 in matched bets for the battle between Michael Smith and Niels Zonneveld when you join Betway. To get the free bet, your first accumulator bet needs to be a losing one. If your first bet wins, then you won't get the free bet, but you'll have your winnings for further fun on World Darts Championship!
All tips are fully researched and given in good faith, but profits cannot be guaranteed.
