Magical Michael Smith thrashes Michael van Gerwen, wins 2023 PDC World Darts Championship and achieves darting destiny

After being the rank outsider before the World Darts Championship final, Michael Smith has achieved darting destiny becoming World Champion with a 7-4 sets win over Michael van Gerwen.

Three finals and third times the charm for Smith who finally became a major champion at the Grand Slam of Darts and has now won the biggest prize of them all sealing the World Number One spot, £500,000 in prize money and denying MVG a fourth World title as his wait continues.

The tie included the best leg darts has ever seen with Smith hitting a nine-dart finish after Van Gerwen missed one and he finished with 22 180's, 47% on the doubles and three ton plus checkouts. Truly special from 'Bully Boy'.

Smith started superbly but couldn’t take the chance presented to him with Van Gerwen sat on 1/8 on the outer ring after only two legs but it was set at 1-1.

Smith missed 127 to hold and Van Gerwen took an early break with a 47 checkout. An 84 checkout saw him seal it at 1-0 up.

A 90 checkout saw Van Gerwen hold with Smith spurning break chances. Smith returned with an 87 checkout. Both hit six darts for a nine-dart finish but Van Gerwen missed double 12 and Smith returned for a nine-dart finish.

Van Gerwen missed 84 for 2-2 and Smith hit double 10 for the set. Van Gerwen missed the bull for an 81 checkout and break and Smith hit double 20 to lead for the first time.

Smith continued to be imperious but missed set darts for a 2-1 lead and Van Gerwen who broke. Smith missed 170 for the set and Van Gerwen missed darts for 2-2 and ‘Bully Boy’ hit double 10 for a 2-1.

Smith couldn’t pin 160 so Van Gerwen returned for double four which he initially missed to hold. Smith hit back-to-back 180’s to leave 52 but missed two darts only for Van Gerwen to return for two double 18’s on 90 to go 2-0 up. He sealed the set with an 83 checkout.

Smith hit a 12th maximum and double 20 to hold and begin set five. Van Gerwen responded under severe pressure with a 100 checkout. Smith hit double 20 to go one away from a 3-2 sets lead.

A 168 to leave 32 saw Van Gerwen on the verge of forcing a decider after nine darts. He hit the 10-darter. Smith faltered on the trebles and allowed Van Gerwen to seal the set on double 20 against the throw.

Smith returned with a break to go 1-0 up as he looked to hit straight back. Van Gerwen hit straight back with a 66 checkout. Van Gerwen missed two darts for a 2-1 lead and Smith responded on double five and then double 10 for 3-3 in sets.

After a poor leg, Van Gerwen kicked into gear with a 63 checkout to break and go 1-0. An 80 checkout saw Van Gerwen double his lead.

Smith couldn’t get a dart at 170 but two set darts were spurned by Van Gerwen and Smith held. A 130 checkout on double five saw Smith turn it around and he was throwing for 4-3.

A 15th 180 from Smith saw him leave 81 after nine but he missed two darts for the set only to return for double six for 4-3. Smith hit double 20 to break in set eight. A 68 checkout saw Smith go one away from 5-3. Double eight was pinned by Smith for 5-3.

A 74 checkout saw Smith lead the ninth set. Smith missed 145 for a break but returned for double five to go one away from a 6-3 sets lead which he pinned on double 20.

A 105 checkout saw MVG hit back to hold under pressure. Smith missed two darts to hold but Van Gerwen couldn’t break and Smith levelled.

MVG missed 106 for a hold but Smith couldn’t get a dart at 136 and the Dutchman hit double eight to go 2-1 up. A 48 checkout saw Smith go one away.

MVG missed 151 for the set but returned with no dent going in the 167 and Van Gerwen made it 6-4. Van Gerwen pinned 60 as he looked to pounce on potential frailty.

He doubled his lead as he looked to head towards one set behind. A 106 checkout saw Smith hold. He missed double 14 for a 121 but MVG missed 132 and Smith hit double seven and was throwing for the win. He went back-to-back 180’s and hit double eight.