Smith reflects on US Darts Masters final defeat to Aspinall: ‘Nathan was too good there’

Michael Smith lost out to Nathan Aspinall in the final of the US Darts Masters in a brilliant run for the St Helens ace.

Smith spoke afterwards and paid tribute to his opponent saying in the end he was too good and that he was chasing the game all the way through as a result.

Despite the defeat though he was pleased to reach yet another final especially with Smith not having the best year so far.

"It's nice to have reached the final but Nathan was too good there," said Smith. "I was chasing it from the start.

"Nathan played really well but I got myself back into it at four-all and that was my chance. Then my first dart started dropping low and I was chasing trebles.

"I played well against Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals and it was nice to get the win there. I've reached the World Championship final, the semi-finals of the UK Open and the final in Las Vegas, so it's not too bad."