Mother of Michael Smith on how he hasn't forgotten his humble roots: "He's always been in the club practicing"

Michael Smith became PDC world champion for the first time in his career in early January. Smith started playing darts in his mother's pub.

Speaking to Liverpool Echo, Sandra Woods who has owned the St Anne's and Blessed Dominic Social Club for 12 years spoke about how he still plays there now.

"He's always been in the club practicing, even before we had this place, our family had pubs and he has just always been working so hard to improve, he still comes in the club a lot- when he's at home anyway. With us all growing up in the pubs, darts has always been there.

"It's amazing to see him do so well now, he has worked so hard to be where he is, and I think the club has helped him."

Karl Holden, operator of a darts shop in Smith's home town of St Helens is also not surprised that 'Bully Boy' is now world champion.

"I first met Mike when he was around the age of 14, at a junior darts tournament that I would've been running on the day. I spoke to him in depth about darts and he said 'I want to be the best player in the world'.

"Obviously he's done very well since that day. He used to come here regularly, we sponsored him for equipment and that sort of thing, and helped him get to venues when he couldn't drive. And obviously he's just got better and better- and when you're that good you don't need my help, or anyone else's help."