Smith takes aim at New Zealand Darts Masters: "This is my last chance, I've got to put my foot down"

Michael Smith will head to the New Zealand Darts Masters which begins on Friday where he will face Warren Parry and he discussed in a recent interview with Stuff about the return of crowds and what that meant to him just over a year on.

“I didn’t like that one bit,” he said as per Stuff.

“I’ve practised most of my life just wanting to be on the big stage, in front of massive crowds, and then to go back to square one, it felt like practising in my bedroom by myself.

“I was as pleased as anyone when the crowds came back.”

He also discussed reaching the top of the sport and the dedication that is needed.

“Our schedule is so busy – we only get three weeks off a year," he added.

“It’s not only about throwing a dart, it’s what else you can do and what you should be doing as a professional.

“If you don’t work with the media or the fans, you won’t get any crowd support. If you’ve got no crowd support, you won’t have any confidence on stage. It all stems back to how you bring your personality out in front of the fans.”

As well as setting his aim for Hamilton as he looks to add to the US Darts Masters title.

“I came to the three tournaments wanting to win at least one – I’ve not won the first two, so this is my last chance, I’ve got to put my foot down,” Smith concluded.