WORLD number three Adrian Lewis has described Swindon’s Dennis Smith as the ‘gentleman of darts’ ahead of the pair’s clash at the World Championship this evening.

The pair are top of the bill at Alexandra Palace for their first round clash this evening, on a night which also sees Justin Pipe, Andy Smith and Arron Monk take to the oche.

Lewis is a two-time world champion while Smith is making his 16th appearance at the showpiece event, having made a semi-final and three quarters over the years, and going into the contest Stoke player Lewis revealed just how well the Swindon player is respected on the PDC circuit.

“I’ve been playing really well and I just can’t wait to get up there and start to be honest,” Lewis told the Advertiser.

“Dennis is very experienced and is a great player, but is also a top man and a gentleman on the tour, everyone loves him.

“He’s fantastic to be around and a great guy, he’s great for the game, and I’m really looking forward to the game.”

Lewis knows he needs to make a quick start if he’s going to avoid an upset on the big stage, but doesn’t expect Smith’s slower, more methodical throwing action to put him off his stride.

“Dennis is a pretty slow player but you play slow players week in, week out on the circuit so I’m used to playing slow players really,” he said.

“It shouldn’t bother me that much and I just have to play my own game up there.”

“I have to have a good start and hit the ground running, hopefully taking the first set, and then you can relax a bit and play the game.

“It should be a good match but I’m hopeful of going up there to get the job done.”