Smith out to repeat title win at Madison Square Garden: "I've never had to defend a TV title before so it is weird"

The reigning US Darts Masters champion, Michael Smith returns to Madison Square Gardens now a World Darts Champion and the world number 1. 'Bully Boy' is out to defend his title and add another trophy to his growing collection.

"I was the first ever to do it," Smith tells Online Darts in reference to his victory at Madison Square Gardens last year, the first time the US Darts Masters was held in the iconic venue. "Now I want to be the first to ever do it back to back!"

"I've never had to defend a TV title before so it is weird," continues the 32-year-old. Smith is a completely different player now since his win twelve months ago. Subsequently taking his first major at the Grand Slam of Darts and adding the World Darts Championship to that, Smith is the current world ranked number one.

"I'm glad Nathan (Aspinall e.d.) is here as well because he won this in Vegas when he beat me in the final. It wasn't nice, him not coming here last year so for him to get his chance this year we're both defending champions so it should be fun."

Smith kicks off the defence of his crown in a first-round tie with Jim Long.