BULLY BOY BLASTS THROUGH! Michael Smith lays down a marker, averaging 103.25 to see off Joe Cullen in convincing fashion. #WCDarts | R4 📺 bit.ly/WC23Live
"Michael is the red hot favourite and is always going to be": Smith believes Van Gerwen still player to beat at World Darts Championship
PDCSaturday, 31 December 2022 at 12:00
After looking very impressive in a 4-1 victory over Joe Cullen, Michael Smith revealed his belief that despite his own good performances, Michael van Gerwen is still the "red hot favourite" to win the PDC World Darts Championship on January 3rd.
Hitting his highest average of the tournament so far in 103.25 and firing in ten maximums, Michael Smith looked imperious in his comfortable win over Joe Cullen. "I feel good, finally I've turned up at this World Championships," Smith said post-match. "When I was walking off at 3-1, I saw him look to the crowd and put his hands up as if to say 'what am I supposed to do' and I knew I had to keep going."
A 2-time former finalist at the World Championships, Smith comes to the Ally Pally this year more confident than ever having finally crossed the finish line at a major tv tournament at the Grand Slam of Darts. Perhaps trying to keep his cards close to his chest however, Bully Boy insists he is not the favourite for the title this time around. "Michael (van Gerwen) is the red-hot favourite and is always going to be," Smith declares. "There's me, Gerwyn Price and Michael left, whoever wins is world champion, world number one, best player in the world."
"I want to play the best players because it shows how far you've come," Smith continues. "The first time I reached the World Final, I played John Henderson in the 2nd round and didn't play a seed then until the final. I want to play the best players and beat the best players."
In the quarter-finals, Smith's opponent will be former BDO World Champion, Stephen Bunting after the Bullet dominated the number 5 seed, Luke Humphries, in a 4-1 win to round off 2022's darting action on Friday evening.
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- When Littler has at least five ranking Majors he’s in the discussion, until then, forget it.Mysstree14-11-2024
- This is the difference between other players and Phil Taylor. Phil would be completely motivated even before his walk on and didn't need anything else to do so.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024
- Still impressive though. Also literally everyone cares about averages that's what makes darts fascinating.medinabello14-11-2024
- BS he won a Euro Tour during this down period something that not many players can say. Dobey, Noppy, DvD, Ross Smith to name just a few.medinabello14-11-2024
- Maybe the supposed top players are burnt out from the endless travelling and tournaments, I just don't think they have the dedication or outright desire to win. I think they are more interested in the money and being popular, just keeping their rankings steady. The only thing that mattered to Phil Taylor was winning, not winning a few games to top up the money pot and seeking the fans attention. Maybe there is too many tournaments now and the enthusiasm is gone. This year especially has seen so many different winners and unexpected draws and line ups.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024