Michael Smith couldn't repeat his World Darts Championship success on Premier League Darts finals night, losing 10-8 in the semi-final to Michael van Gerwen. Following the match, Smith was full of praise for his opponent.
Understandably, Smith was incredibly disappointed at missing out on a Premier League win. "It's terrible to lose. My scoring disappeared too quickly and then I struggled to get it back consistently," 'Bully Boy' said. "Michael was the better player in the end."
Despite a brilliant campaign that saw Smith finish third in the league and take three successive night wins, the 2023 campaign will now be tinged with disappointment when looking back. "This is not how I wanted my Premier League season to end, but I am putting this behind me and already looking forward to the next tournaments," concluded the World Champion.
MvG WINS AN ABSOLUTE THRILLER! 💥
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) May 25, 2023
Michael van Gerwen is into a NINTH Premier League final, coming through an absolute battle with Michael Smith as he completes a truly sensational 10-8 victory over the World Champion!
📺 https://t.co/kx9ccUMQvU | #PLDarts | SF2 pic.twitter.com/aankjQYGve