Michael van Gerwen won't add a major ranking title for the first time in 2021 this week in Wolverhampton with
Michael Smith producing a superb display to reach the semi-finals of the
Grand Slam of Darts.
Smith who had never beaten Van Gerwen in a ranking major before tonight won through 16-13 and will now face Fallon Sherrock or Peter Wright after fourteen 180's and 98.7 average to see off this week's form horse.
Can 'Bully Boy' finally add a major to his collection come the end of tomorrow?
Smith cruised into the first interval with a superb start to proceedings which saw 'Bully Boy' pounce on seven missed darts from Van Gerwen.
This led to him leading 5-0 with a 107.3 average and five 180's with Van Gerwen in a spot of bother albeit over the longer format.
Van Gerwen returned though with a sensational 148 checkout and made it back to back legs at 5-2 down after Smith missed a dart at double 20.
Smith had a whitewash first session but went into the second interval only 6-4 ahead after an incredible 164 checkout from the Green Machine.
'Bully Boy' broke back for a 7-5 lead with an 87 checkout on the bull but MVG matched him with a 74 checkout to make it 7-6.
But Smith looked to break away again with a 76 checkout to make it 8-6. This was consolidated with double 10 for 9-6 as he restored a three leg cushion.
Van Gerwen missed double four for a 128 checkout and was pressured with a 180 only to return for double one to make it 9-7.
A 180 and double 10 saw another hold for Smith as he hit double figures at 10-7. But a poor leg by Van Gerwen saw Smith have six darts at 96 which he whittled down to 56 and pinned to break and make it 11-7.
He got away with a poor leg on throw with an 85 checkout on double 20 to go 12-7 up and escape further towards the finishing line.
Smith couldn't get a shot at 130 as Van Gerwen fired in 170 for a 12-8 deficit at the next interval albeit just a hold.
'Bully Boy' missed a crucial darts at double 20 and Van Gerwen attempted to revive once more with another break to make it 12-9.
Van Gerwen missed darts at double 16 to hold and Smith returned for an 81 checkout on double six to make it 13-9.
Smith missed multiple darts at a pivotal time though and Van Gerwen broke to make it 13-10.
He couldn't pin 136missing double eight so Van Gerwen returned only to miss three of his own. Smith returned for double eight and broke back throwing to go one away at 14-10.
He missed the bull for a 130 checkout but returned for a 25 checkout to go one away at 15-10.
Van Gerwen held on double 16 to keep himself in the tie. Smith looked edgy and a 180 and a break on double 20 saw Van Gerwen make it 15-12.
A 171 left 100 for Van Gerwen on his throw with Smith leaving 127 in case he missed which he did missing the second double 20.
He missed double eight for the match though and Van Gerwen returned for double 10 to make it 15-13.
But Smith did not give Van Gerwen another opportunity with a 60 checkout on double 20 to win through.
