Martijn Kleermaker doesn't think Michael Smith is a 'Bullyboy' at all: "On the contrary, he has respect for everyone"

Just about every darter has a nickname these days. Michael Smith's is "Bullyboy," although that doesn't quite reflect the kind of person he is.

'Bullyboy' is the nickname of the reigning World Darts Champion. "But Michael is actually not that at all," fellow darter Martijn Kleermaker told Viaplay. "On the contrary, he is a very quiet person, who rarely comes to the fore. On the contrary, he is very modest, has respect for everyone and just loves darts and a good game."

Kleermaker himself took on Smith on a regular basis. "If you throw out a high score he is immediately ready to give you a fist as a sign of respect. But that also typifies his character as a winner, he immediately draws motivation from it to throw out such high scores as well."

"It's someone who had to wait a long time for his first major, but after finally succeeding at the Grand Slam of Darts last year, he also won the World Championship right away. And he's capable of a lot more in the future."