JEFF SMITH WINS THE BET365 NORTH AMERICAN DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FOR A SECOND TIME 🏆
Jeff Smith has won the 2023 North American Darts Championship for a second time by defeating his World Cup of Darts partner, Matt Campbell 6-5 at Madison Square Garden.
Smith won the title back in 2018 when it was held in Las Vegas and becomes the first to win titles in both venues.
But due to his Tour Card status in a new rule implemented by the PDC, neither Smith or Campbell could seal a World Darts Championship spot.
This meant that only the prize money and prestige was offer. As a result, it will go to another player through the CDC route with the Continental Cup likely to see the victor seal their spot.
'The Silencer' was lucky to reach the semi-finals with a superb Jim Long unable to seal the deal as Smith came from 5-3 down to edge out his compatriot 6-5.
Campbell saw off Jason Brandon, while Alex Spellman and Jules van Dongen were the other semi-finalists.
Campbell took care of Spellman and an all Canadian final was set up as Smith saw off Jules van Dongen 6-1 with a superb 60% on the doubles to storm through.
The final was anything but easy as expected for Smith who sealed it 6-5 in the end with an 88 average, three 180's and 40% on the doubles. Him and Jim Long will return later as the US Darts Masters concludes at MSG.
Saturday June 3
North American Darts Championship
Schedule of Play
Quarter-Finals (1300 EST)
Matt Campbell 6-4 Jason Brandon
Alex Spellman 6-3 JT Davis
Jeff Smith 6-5 Jim Long
Jules van Dongen 6-5 Jake Macmillan
Semi-Finals
Matt Campbell 6-2 Alex Spellman
Jeff Smith 6-1 Jules van Dongen
Final
Matt Campbell v Jeff Smith
JEFF SMITH WINS THE BET365 NORTH AMERICAN DARTS CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE FOR A SECOND TIME 🏆