Michael Smith couldn’t contain his emotion after winning his first major title as he defeated Nathan Aspinall 16-5 in the Grand Slam of Darts final.
‘Bully Boy’, who hit nine 180s and had a 50% double conversion rate, took a commanding lead as he went 7-3 up going into the second break as Aspinall stuttered.
Smith was lost for words post-match. “I’m used to giving the runner-up speech,” he said.
“I was so nervous. In the first few legs I was shaking like mad, but then Nathan started to miss doubles and let me in.
“Nathan is a quality player and if he had got going it would have been a totally different game.
“Every time I got a shot I took it out, and then I started to find my scoring but my doubles stayed, so happy days!”
‘The Asp’, never made the most of the few opportunities he was given, having only 15 darts at a double in the entire match as Smith continued to pull away.
In the end it became a given that Smith would end his long wait for a major at the ninth attempt as he won nine of the next 11 legs to seal the deal in Wolverhampton.
It was 50/50 when it came to crowd support as both fan-favourites rolled up to the oche after a long day of action. This weekend sparked much debate about the format of the Grand Slam, where players are asked to play two best of 31 leg matches on the same day.
Aspinall appeared to be affected most, as he failed to match his performances earlier in the tournament. ‘The Asp’ can still be proud of a year that saw serious concerns about his career as he battled an elbow injury.
He showed grit and determination to fight back in games against Alan Soutar and Luke Humphries after being branded the underdog in both of those encounters. The final proved a step too far for the Stockport thrower.
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But the night belonged to Smith as he dropped to his knees after landing the winning double, releasing all the emotion after losing in eight consecutive PDC major finals – including the 2019 and 2022 World Championship Final.
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There is now just one event left between now and the World Championship, where Smith will hope to finally lift the Sid Waddell trophy after losing in two finals.
Aspinall, a year on from the beginning of his injury problems, will be more prepared for Alexandra Palace as his recent form – notably reaching the final of the World Grand Prix – has seen him break his way back into the top 16 in the world rankings.
The PDC season concludes with the Players Championship Finals on 25-27 November, before the World Championship in London which runs from 15 December-3 January.
