Smith reaches second career PDC World Darts Championship final with superb win over Wade
PDCSunday, 02 January 2022 at 22:28
Michael Smith is into the 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship and will face off against either Peter Wright or Gary Anderson tomorrow evening after seeing off James Wade in a tremendous display.
ADVERTISEMENT
Smith averaged 101 with 16 180's en route pinned by 'Bully Boy' as he reaches a second final in the showpiece tournament. Can he make it second time's the charm?
Smith edged a closely run first set 3-2 averaging 97 as he drew first blood against Wade. But despite an opening first set which was close, ‘Bully Boy’ started to gain control wrapping up the second set 3-1 with a 114 checkout to double his lead as his average went towards 106 with four 180’s.
Just as it looked like Smith was in control though, he squandered two set darts and Wade picked his pocket as he does best with a 121 checkout to get off the mark and halve the deficit.
Smith though recovered from two legs down to claim the fourth set and go 3-1 up after Wade missed one at double 20. It was another 121 checkout for Wade but this proved the only flourish in the next stanza of the game as Smith claimed it 3-1 from there with a 103 average and 10 180’s to go towards the final.
His procession continued with a 72 checkout as he surged into a 5-1 lead but as he moved to within a set but this is when the finishing line began to set in.
He pinned a 112 checkout but Wade moved 2-1 ahead and took out a 160 checkout to make it 5-2. The comeback continued as Smith could not hit the trebles and in the deciding leg, Wade claimed it to make it interesting at 5-3 up.
ADVERTISEMENT
But Smith stuck to the task at hand and hit a 16th 180 en route to going one away before sealing it on double 10 with Wade waiting on 66.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 2visitors 2
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- I hope Phil doesn't return. Watching him the seniors was embarrassing,and he should bow out,and let everyone remember what a legend he is.rick6716-09-2026
- What a nice comment by Wade. Top bloke.BandB15-09-2026
- He wasn't "offered £501,000 to face Luke Littler". He was allowed to audition for the chance. That's not the same. Literally like saying I was offered a no.1 single, when actually I decided not to attend an open casting for the X factor.BandB13-09-2026
- I loved Jan and loved his walk on music "Explode" by Jordan & Baker. I think if he stuck around the BDO he definitely would have been World Champion, should have won in 2014, he never really showed any of his talent in the PDC. I remembered he worked in a bank or in finance and maybe that was his priority, he was also a fan and interested in magic. Definitely should have achieved much more in darts than he did. Wherever you are nowadays Jan, hope all is well and I was always a fan.richieburnettrocks11-09-2026
- Not much of a tournament really,is it? Now they've all pulled out,it's open for everyone. I'm sure if you bought tickets,you'd be disappointed. Doesn't that seem to bother the withdrawals? Not at all!!rick6710-09-2026
- Need to see her take part in the womens tour. She'll break the inernet.medinabello08-09-2026
- If he can be bothered? He won't play darts in Germany yet he'll go over and get an award!??rick6702-09-2026
- Why is this the main story? He chose not to compete in loads of tournaments,yes he's number 1 in the world,but he does have to turn up at tournaments! Play the next world championship in Dortmund and see if he turns up!!rick6727-08-2026
- This is exactly what I mean,littler survives the 1st round,I think you'll find a lot of other players did. Can you just report on the real sport,and not just 1 person. I like Luke,but this is getting boring now,as Kevin painter once said to Taylor!! The sport is about every player,not 1 who everyone seems to have put the sport on the map.,which he hasn't,he's just got in when the money is massive. Great as he is,it seems like what's the point in anyone trying,he's going to win everything,unless it's in Germany or Australia!!!rick6726-08-2026
- I mean look, Littler's picture is first,wattimena is second and he won! Level it up. I know littler is fantastic,but the sport was here before him,and will be when he's retired. Any player in the top 64/128 can beat each other,it's not big news. Poor Jermaine,wins it,and not even the headline!!rick6726-08-2026
Loading
