Smith 'not fussed' on missing nine-dart finish at Grand Slam of Darts: "I'm more disappointed I let the fans down"

Michael Smith is through to the Quarter-Finals of the Grand Slam of Darts and a showdown next with Michael van Gerwen after seeing off Joe Cullen 10-5.

Smith missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish in the final leg before returning the next visit to seal his passage through. It was a scrappy affair which he admitted saw respect play a part.

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VIDEO: Smith misses double 12 for a nine-darter, but beats Cullen despite 'double trouble'

"Joe gave me a lot of chances today. He's my best mate on tour, he bullies me a lot so I don't know why I'm friends with him. When I see Joe Cullen, my name changed from Bully Boy to bully victim," joked Smith post match.

"I've got so much respect and love for Joe and it was a hard game but if Joe wanted to miss, he's not going to pay me bills I've got to step in and take my chances so a win's a win."

'Not fussed' on nine-dart finish

On missing the nine-dart finish, he said it was more for the fans and he's got his pin badge and has achieved it before so personally he wasn't bothered.

"I'm not fussed about missing the nine, I'm more disappointed I let the fans down. I've done a nine-darter on TV, I've got a gold pin, I don't need more. It's more for the fans now."

Looking ahead

He also spoke about how he is pleased he managed to scrape through again despite not being at his best.

"I'm in the Quarter-Finals again, it's a tournament I love and it's a tournament I do produce in. Even thought it's not my best stuff, I still manage to get through to the latter stages."

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