Michael Smith took a big step towards qualifying for the
Premier League Darts playoffs on Thursday night by taking the weekly title in Manchester.
The 32-year-old Englishman reached the final in Manchester by producing victories over Nathan Aspinall (6-3) and Michael van Gerwen (6-4).
He then faced Jonny Clayton in the final, who was too strong for Peter Wright (6-5) and Chris Dobey (6-3) earlier in the evening. Then in the final, 'Bullyboy' played his best match of the evening.
Smith recorded an average of 110 in the final, with the reigning world champion winning all his legs within 15 arrows. He threw a 10-, 11- and 12-darter and also three 15-darters. Smith was 6-3 too strong for Jonny Clayton, who did catch up with Nathan Aspinall with his final place.
