De Sousa admits Smith win was 'biggest' of career so far

Jose de Sousa won through to his maiden TV semi-final and the first for a Portuguese player after defeating Michael Smith in a sensational 16-14 win at the Grand Slam of Darts.

De Sousa will go up towards the top 20 at the end of the tournament as his brilliant rise continues and he admitted that this victory was the 'biggest' in his career.

"It was an amazing game and it's a big win for me, the biggest victory for me," said De Sousa. "I'm really happy and I enjoyed it a lot.

"He is one of the strongest players in the world so I'm happy to beat him. I tried everything in my mind to keep my game stable.

"Michael has beaten me three times before so I knew I had to be solid, but he got stronger and stronger during the game and punished me. It was crazy, he missed two nine-darters.

"When I made it ten-ten, I knew I had to relax and play my darts, and I did that. I didn't give up and I had to be patient.

"It's the first time I've played in the Grand Slam and I'm so happy for everyone who supports me; my family, my friends and my team. It's a crazy year for me."