Smith on mindset during Van Gerwen win: "Michael was giving it a few and I was like just don't bite"

Michael Smith is through to the semi-finals of the 2021 Grand Slam of Darts after downing Michael van Gerwen 16-13 in the Quarter-Finals.

Smith took a 15-10 lead, but still struggled to get over the winning line.

"Apart from those last three legs, I thought I was going to go a bit. Just try and convince myself I needed two more, but Michael (van Gerwen) went as well and I thought you know what let's follow him for a laugh but I managed to get there in the end.

"I'm never leaving 32 or double eight ever again in my life and when I hit that 38 as soon as I throw the first six I was like what have you done. I've not missed double 10 in one dart, double 20 has been flying in."

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Mindset

He also discussed his mindset during the latter stages and in particular, he didn't want to be dragged in by his opponent.

"It was trying to keep myself focused, try to keep myself calm. It took more energy not to be an arse on stage because Michael was giving it a few and I was like just don't bite."

"The first session was good but I think the biggest damage, I think I was 9-6 up, his throw and I broke him. He missed two or three or darts, that was the big one. I could see him pull his socks up, I kept telling myself he's thinking about it."