Former World Champion Mark Webster Believes Smith is “Not Going to Stop” with More Titles to Come
Dart fans around the world were treated to a thrilling final at the PDC World Darts Championship, as Michael Smith defeated Michael van Gerwen in a nail-biting 7-4 victory. The match was tipped to be a classic, and Smith and Van Gerwen did not disappoint, with Smith delivering a near-perfect performance that included a stunning nine-dart finish and four consecutive legs.
Although Van Gerwen fought hard and forced an 11th set, Smith ultimately emerged victorious, securing the Sid Waddell Trophy and the World No.1 ranking. This marks the second title win for Smith in the past two months, following his victory at the Grand Slam of Darts in November.
Former world champion Mark Webster believes that Smith is on a roll and is “not going to stop,” with more trophies surely on the horizon. “He deserves it. It is a credit to him,” Webster said of Smith’s victory. “He has gone away and learnt from those defeats. He has gone away and made himself stronger… and better equipped to win a major title.”
Webster also praised Smith’s determination and ability to stay composed, even when Van Gerwen mounted a comeback. “When Michael van Gerwen came back at him, he weathered the storm, and more titles surely to come,” he said. “He has found the knack now of winning these games and World No.1 to go with it.”
In addition to Smith’s impressive performance, the match was notable for its high-scoring action and the electric atmosphere in the arena. Webster called it “one of the greatest finals ever,” and many fans will no doubt agree.
The PDC Premier League returns in 2023, with the first of 17 venues taking place at the SSE Arena in Belfast on February 2. The playoffs will be held at The O2 in London on May 25.
