With the under current of his shoulder injury being a talking point (despite him declaring himself 100% fit and playing last weekend's ProTours), Smith was seen as a favourite going into the tie but after a superb start, he failed to produce regular scoring prowess.
MVG on the other hand hit seven 180's and a 101 average and now heads into a mouth watering clash with rival, Gerwyn Price with the main forerunners for most of the Premier League set to face off again.
A 128 checkout on double four saw Smith start off with a hold of throw. Van Gerwen responded with a 64 checkout. Smith pinned double 20 to go 2-1 up.
Van Gerwen went six darts into a nine-darter before returning for a 58 checkout for a 12-darter to make it 2-2. A poor leg from Smith saw Van Gerwen mop up a break chance to go 3-2 up.
It was daylight for MVG on double 20 at 4-2. Smith missed a dart from 64 but MVG missed chances to break again only to return for more after further costly darts and MVG made it 5-2.
A 100 checkout saw him storm into a 6-2 lead. At the break, he was 7-3 up with an 11-darter. A 114 checkout saw Smith hold and stop the rot at 7-4 down albeit still with a lot of work to do. This was further as Van Gerwen hit double 10 to make it 8-4.
ADVERTISEMENT
Smith made it 8-5 under pressure. An 86 checkout saw Smith break to make it 8-6. But he capitulated on the scoring and handed Van Gerwen a chance to go one away but he didn’t take it.
Smith smashed in a 91 checkout on the bull to go one behind at 8-7. But again his scoring deserted him at the wrong time and MVG went one away at 9-7. He missed a match dart off 78 and Smith hit 123 to hold.
Van Gerwen finally got over the line amid a chorus of boos with a huge roar aimed at the crowd at the O2.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
MvG WINS AN ABSOLUTE THRILLER! 💥
Michael van Gerwen is into a NINTH Premier League final, coming through an absolute battle with Michael Smith as he completes a truly sensational 10-8 victory over the World Champion!
📺 bit.ly/PL23Live | #PLDarts | SF2