PDC World Darts Championship final LIVE RESULT: Smith BEATS Van Gerwen to win first world title after epic nine-darter
MICHAEL SMITH has BEATEN Michael van Gerwen 7-4 to win his first ever PDC World Darts Championship.
Bully Boy and MVG started on fire, with the former hitting a nine-darter in the second set.
But it was Smith who pulled away, winning three sets in a row before sealing the deal in the match's 11th to win his first world title.
- Start time: Final from 8.15pm UK time
- TV channel/ live stream: Sky Sports Darts
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The best game of darts, ever?
That is potentially the best game of darts, of all time.
Definitely the best final that we have seen at Ally Pally.
It was simply unbelievable.
Underdog Englishman Michael Smith overcame three-time champion, Michael Van Gerwen, to win his first ever PDC World Darts Championship title, and move to become the number one ranked darts player in the world.
Not only that, he hit a nine-darter along the way, with one of the most incredible legs of darts I have ever witnessed.
There was a point at which it felt like MvG might be the villian of this incredible story, at six sets to four, when Smith looked like he might slip up at the vital moment.
But he returned with vengeance, almost comfortable in checking out the final dart to win the trophy, and £500,000.
The fans - insatiable.
The darts - impeccable.
Michael Smith - inevitable.
Michael Smith on battling MvG:
Michael Smith spoke to Sky Sports about battling MvG in the past, and more battles with him in the future:
"It's one-all now in the World's, and I said before that I took my chances, but you know as well as I do that it's not going to be the last time me and Michael play each other, and I have said it for years, he is the best player in darts."
He is the best player in darts."
Michael Smith after beating Michael Van Gerwen.
MvG speaks after loss
On speaking to Michael Smith after the loss:
"I think he played really well, of course I had my chances, we all know that. Two darts in the second set, but he threw a nine-darter.
"When you don't hit them, he is going to throw everything at you.
"You can only blame yourself, and of course he doesn't give anything away [...] you have to take it on the chin."
Michael Smith on reflection:
After winning the World Championship, this is what number one, Big Bully Michael Smith had to say to SkySports on his performance:
"I don't want to get into all the crying and emotions. Michael let me off a lot, and for once, I finally took a chance that I didn't deserve."
"I want to apologise to Michael, I have been in that position before, well, not quite that position. I don't know what to say."
I want to do what this man has done, I want to take over the sport, but he's still here."
Michael Smith Darts World Champion, 2023
Michael Smith is a World Champion!
Michael Smith has beaten Michael Van Gerwen by seven sets to four, and stands at the summit of world darts!
He had a nine-darter along the way, in one of the most incredible games of darts of all time.
It was almost definitely the best final that Alexandra Palace has ever seen.
That was impeccable, there are not enough superlatives to sum up the level of darts that we have just seen.
Wow.
Michael van Gerwen (4) 2 - 3 (7) Michael Smith
Here we go again!
Michael Smith has another chance to win the title here!He opens with TWO 180's, and could be onto a nine-darter!
He doesn't get it, but just needs 32 to win it!
HE HAS DONE IT!
MICHAEL SMITH IS THE WORLD CHAMPION!
Michael van Gerwen (4) 2 - 2 (6) Michael Smith
Smith almost checks out the 121, and then MvG almost checks out the 132!
Smith comes back with avengance, and checks out the double 7!
Michael van Gerwen (4) 2 - 1 (6) Michael Smith
Smith is starting to look deflated, he looks like he is struggling a bit here.
But, he steadies himself, and takes the third leg!
Michael van Gerwen (4) 2 - 0 (6) Michael Smith
Van Gerwen can sense a comeback here.
It looks like he has had his rough patch, but is over it now.
Michael Smith might just be having his rough patch now...
MvG takes the second leg of the set too.
Michael van Gerwen (4) 1 - 0 (6) Michael Smith
MvG starts with a big 180.
Smith needs to compose himself here.
MvG checks out the 60 with a brilliant double 20.
It is starting to look like the game is back on!
Michael van Gerwen (4) 3 - 2 (6) Michael Smith
This is what it all comes down to.
A Michael Smith win in this leg and he will win the championship!
But he misses his chance, and MvG takes the set!Michael van Gerwen (3) 2 - 2 (6) Michael Smith
34 180's now in this game.
It is simply incredible.
Smith checks out the 48!
And it all comes down to this leg!Michael van Gerwen (3) 2 - 1 (6) Michael Smith
Smith almost checks out the 136, but MvG takes the leg with his next darts...
Michael van Gerwen (3) 1 - 1 (6) Michael Smith
Michael Smith blinked for the first time in four sets, but MvG blinks too, and Smith takes advantage by checking out the double 10!
Michael van Gerwen (3) 1 - 0 (6) Michael Smith
This is incredible, Smith opens with his 19th 180!
Just one set away from lifting the trophy.
"Darts is coming home" The crowd cheers!
It just might be!
But Smith will be disappointed that he didn't capitalise on that early 180, and MvG comes back to take the leg.
Michael van Gerwen (3) 0 - 3 (6) Michael Smith
Smith scoops up another 180, and he might be daring to dream here at the World Darts Championship final!
He needs to check out 40, and does, to take a fourth consecutive set against MvG!
Michael van Gerwen (3) 0 - 2 (5) Michael Smith
"If you love the darts, stand up!"
Is the chant ringing around Ally Pally.
I hope everyone in there is stood up, because this is impeccable darts.
Smith checks out the double five for the third time in this final, and makes it 2-0.
Michael van Gerwen (3) 0 - 1 (5) Michael Smith
Van Gerwen is under pressure here, losing the first leg to Smith in this one too.
SET: Michael Van Gerwen 3-5 Michael Smith
Michael Smith scoops up another 180.
That takes the total to 30 in 33 legs.
Smith checks out the 32, and takes charge of the final!
Michael Van Gerwen 1-2 Michael Smith
After 7 sets, this is one of the best darts matches of all time.
In terms of quality and tension, it is tough to think of many better.
Van Gerwen takes the third leg.
Michael Van Gerwen 0-2 Michael Smith
MvG scoops up his 13th 180.
Five consecutive legs for Michael Smith, and MvG looks like he is panicking.
Michael Van Gerwen 0-1 Michael Smith
Smith gets yet ANOTHER 180, that is his 16th in this game so far.
He finishes the leg with a double 20.
1-0 to Smith.
SET: Michael Van Gerwen 3-4 Michael Smith
MvG could have won this set 3-0 with ease, and he thought it was over!
But now we are back at 2-2.
And Smith opens with a 180!
Smith then secures the double six!
What a comeback, three legs on the bounce.We are in the presence of greatness.
Michael Van Gerwen 2-2 Michael Smith
You cannot take your eyes off this, amazing darts.
MvG hits another 180.
BUT it is returned IMPECCABLY by Michael Smith.
He hangs his wrist after that final dart like Steph Curry hitting a three.
2-2!
Michael Van Gerwen 2-1 Michael Smith
Smith takes the third leg to make it 2-1 to MvG.
Some wayward darts coming into play here, especially from Van Gerwen.
