BULLY BOY UP AND RUNNING! It's not the start Michael Smith will have wanted, but it's a winning start and that's all that matters! The World Champion comfortably defeats Steve Beaton 10-2 to advance to round two... 📺 bit.ly/WM23Live | #WMDarts R1
"I want Michael to win, I want to play Michael in the final": Smith left gutted by Van Gerwen shock loss to Dolan
PDCMonday, 17 July 2023 at 17:00
Without impressing, Michael Smith reached the second round at the World Matchplay on Sunday night. Bullyboy' beat Steve Beaton (10-2) by a large margin, but only managed an average of 89. Beaton was still well below that with an average of 81.
The reigning world champion was not at all pleased with his performance. "I came off that stage feeling like I've been beat. I had the most energy in the world, I had the most belief in the world. What the hell is going on. But it happens I guess. I've got to get over the fact that I can't play 110 averages all of the time."
"I've got to win scruffy. New lesson learned I guess."
Read also
Earlier in the evening, rival Michael van Gerwen was eliminated by Brendan Dolan. He did not see that as a boost. "I want Michael to win, I want to play Michael in the final. I think 8/10 he normally beats me but it's a test of where I need to improve. But instead of thinking that, I could only play Michael in the final anyway. So I need to keep focused because I've got Chris Dobey next, and he is a different animal to what Steve is.
"So I need to up my game find it from somewhere and get ready for him."
Read also
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Oh, dear... how will we cope now?MrYnyslas197122-11-2024
- They really are going through an insipid spell - at present.MrYnyslas197122-11-2024
- Well done Mike – good to move on and look to the future. With his talent, and increasing confidence on stage, he'll be a force to be reckoned with in the month ahead.
UndartedWaters22-11-2024 - It's called talent and good on him.medinabello21-11-2024
- There are 30 Players Championship rounds to play first throughout the year and you have to be in the top 64 to get to the finals. This is probably the hardest Major to win as its the top 128 players at each event or the top ranked Challenge Tour players if any tour card holders drop out.Mysstree20-11-2024