In doing so, he saw off the challenge of John O'Shea who was into his maiden PDC ranking final. But it was 'Bully Boy' who won the day with an 8-5 win and a 101.4 average.
It was six holds of throw to begin the tie before Smith finally hit double 10 to break and go 4-3 up. O’Shea pressured with a 180 but Smith cleaned up 60 to hold and go 5-3 up.
O’Shea kept it to one leg with a hold. But again Smith edged ahead at 6-4. A 13-dart break of throw saw Smith go one away and he was throwing for an 8-4 win.
He began that throw with a 180 with O’Shea replying to try for one last reprieve and it was one he grabbed as he made it 7-5 after a break back.
But despite initially missing match darts, Smith finally pinned double two to end the potential comeback early and seal it.
Players Championship 14 Results
Last 16
Max Hopp (78.31) 4 | 6 (87.33) James Wilson
Michael Smith (101.91) 6 | 4 (98.84) Martin Lukeman
Ritchie Edhouse (101.18) 6 | 2 (98.59) Kim Huybrechts
Damon Heta (98.02) 6 | 2 (88.78) Andrew Gilding
Dave Chisnall (97.51) 6 | 5 (91.55) Ryan Meikle
Krzysztof Ratajski (93.94) 6 | 0 (84.83) Shaun Wilkinson
Maik Kuivenhoven (93.22) 6 | 2 (90.72) Joe Cullen
John O'Shea (99.09) 6 | 3 (90.00) Ross Smith
Quarter-Finals
James Wilson (95.59) 4 | 6 (97.65) Michael Smith
Damon Heta (104.26) 6 | 4 (96.50) Ritchie Edhouse
Dave Chisnall (96.68) 6 | 3 (93.20) Krzysztof Ratajski
John O'Shea (90.56) 6 | 4 (88.67) Maik Kuivenhoven
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.
SMITH TAKES THE TITLE! 🏆
Michael Smith defeats John O'Sea 8-5 to secure his first title of 2022!
A 101.39 average from Smith was enough to deny O'Shea in his maiden ranking final.