"I'm not going anywhere": Breakout weekend for Jeff Smith who targets success on return to tour after US Darts Masters

Michael van Gerwen may have become King of New York, but Jeff Smith emerged with probably the most credit from the US Darts Masters.

This despite a whitewash defeat to the Green Machine as The Silencer ran out of steam against the in-form Dutchman.

But his victory over Nathan Aspinall in particular will live long in the memory with an epic 167 to win. This after he also took honours in the North American Darts Championship earlier in the day.

"I'm so thankful for every one of you guys out in the crowd because you guys pushed me all day. Unbelievable," said Smith post match.

"I've had some close calls with Nathan in the past but to pin that 167 man was awesome," he continued on that superb tie with Aspinall.

But can this be a springboard for Smith who by his own admission has struggled on the tour albeit at times, he has had to deal with horrific travel issues which have prevented him playing his best.

"I'm not going anywhere, I'm one of the best players in North America and I know that. I'm one of the best players in the world when I want to be."