Lewis looks back on getting Covid after win at Masters: 'I have never felt so ill'

Adrian Lewis was more than happy to get through at the Masters against Michael Smith who took out for ton plus finishes of 132,150 and two maximum checkouts of 170.

“I was starting to think what have I got to do to win a game. I know that's what he can do and I knew I was up against it right from the start, but when it happened four times on the trot” (Lewis sarcastically shakes his head)'', he said to Online Darts about Smith's ton plus finishes. However he was pleased that he was able to get over the line in such a tight game. “At least when it went 5-5 I was able to hold my bottle'', he said during the online press conference.

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Both players lost their opening matches at the World Championships last month and Lewis was asked if felt there was more pressure coming into this match with what happened at Alexandra Palace. “I think there was extra pressure on both of us. I think he (Michael Smith) lost in the exact same round as me so there was extra pressure.”

Lewis also went on to admit to his struggles last year which saw him drop further down the rankings. ''I really struggled last year. When I have been playing three or four tournaments week in week out which I am used to, to then having two months off then playing a week of tournaments.''

After speaking about getting Covid, he explained just how difficult it had been. ”At the World Grand Prix, I had no symptoms. I never experienced a cough then Graham Fairhurst the tournament director told me I had tested positive. I was thinking no chance hear (Lewis pulling a face of bewilderment) after I went back home. Two days later I lost my sense of taste and smell and I have never felt so ill, it took all my energy and couldn’t get fit.”

The Stoke ace claimed his two world titles in 2011 and 2012, but he's confident his best days are still ahead of him. “I can be better than that, I'm still re-learning now.''