On a night that had a couple of shocking results, none were bigger than the victory of
Jim Long over the reigning World Champion and world number one,
Michael Smith.
"I can't even put it into words. I probably won't really get it until later tonight when I'm back at the hotel," revealed the 55-year-old Canadian in a post-match interview with Online Darts. "It's pretty crazy. I just wanted to play well and give him a good game."
"I was fortunate he didn't hit the way he does usually. I thought 'he's gonna go on a 180 tear'. I was hoping he'd hit a nine against me honestly," laughs Long. "When I really felt like I might win is when I was up 5-2 and I was like 'wait a second.'"
It doesn't get any easier for Long as next up he faces off against Michael van Gerwen. "I mean come on like it's an experience of a lifetime to play MVG," says Long. "That will be amazing honestly. Amazing experience."