LUKE LITTLER IS THE WORLD SERIES FINALS CHAMPION! 🏆 Luke Littler wins the World Series of Darts Finals, beating Michael Smith 11-4, averaging 102.21 on his way to victory! 📺 bit.ly/24WSFLive #WSFinals
Michael Smith failed to win the World Series of Darts Finals for the first time in his career. Bullyboy' went down 11-4 in the final against compatriot Luke Littler. He has already won a Players Championship and also the World Cup of Darts (with Luke Humphries), but is still waiting for a first individual major title this year.
Smith, however, had an excellent start to the day. Against Rob Cross, he fell behind 9-7, but still managed to turn the lopsided situation around to win 10-9. The 2023 world champion averaged 103.02 in that match.
Then in the semifinals, Smith had little trouble with Peter Wright, whom he swept aside 11-6. In the final, however, he never reached his normal level and there was little to challenge the reign of an unleashed Littler.
"I just didn't do anything in the final," admitted Smith, who also lost in the 2018 final. "It never happened for me, but I was lucky to be in the final. It's another runner-up trophy, which I've collected quite a few of over the years.
Confidence
Despite his defeat in the final, Smith is still looking forward to the rest of the year with confidence. "But this weekend puts me in good stead; I've had a bit of time off and now I'm ready to get back practicing hard for the rest of the year."
The 33-year-old Englishman is already back in action this week at Players Championships 20 and 21, which take place September 17 and 18 in Wigan. He then travels on to Hungary where next weekend will see the Hungarian Darts Trophy, the 11th tournament of the European Tour 2024.
LUKE LITTLER IS THE WORLD SERIES FINALS CHAMPION! 🏆 Luke Littler wins the World Series of Darts Finals, beating Michael Smith 11-4, averaging 102.21 on his way to victory! 📺 bit.ly/24WSFLive #WSFinals