"Performance wise no but I'm over the moon with how I handled the grinding out situation and the struggling part of it and I think I proved there four or five years ago I'd have lost that 7-3 but I'm really happy how I battled through that," said Smith.
He also discussed the crowd returning and also criticism over his form and ranking.
"That felt a lot louder and it's the same with the Civic for the Grand Slam because they're sat on top of you. It's unreal and it feels nice."
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"The minute I listen to someone tell me something I'm gonna pack it in. I've got two kids at home and a wife, I'm here to earn as much as I can and win titles for myself and have the best life. I've been in the top 10 for five years, I don't listen to negativity."
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.
“I won't get back on stage and not hit a 180 again, I promise you that.”
Michael Smith says he’s got over the anxiety of returning to darts with big crowds.
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