Smith after winning thrilling first round tie at World Grand Prix: 'Whitlock kept giving it large which was getting on my nerves'

Smith spoke afterwards and admitted that Whitlock giving it large got in his nerves and as a result hitting the 128 checkout was the catalyst he needed.

He added that he doesn't mind players giving it some but when they've actually hit good shots and from his perspective he doesn't see 20 darters as celebration shots.

'I'm glad I got the win as it's my first win in about seven or eight years I've been here but Simon (Whitlock) kept giving it large which was getting on my nerves. I missed two darts at 32 to go 2-0 up in legs and I thought I'd blown it but the 128 checkout went in to give me that little spur I needed to start finding the doubles,' said Smith to Live Darts.

'It just annoys me because he's winning legs in like 20 odd darts. When you're giving it large it should be 10-12 darts, anything after that you're not going to be winning tournaments. Michael has proved that if it's not 110-112 (average), it don't bother.'

'I'm not the type to give it large, I like to keep calm and as you can see by the way I'm speaking. My chest is still hurting after that 128.'