Darts World Cup - Michael Smith rolled, threw nine darts and became world champion for the first time

The English player was not only able to enjoy the first World Cup triumph of his career and the 500,000 pounds that came with it in the Alexandra Palace, because in the second set he threw the third nine-pointer of his career, i.e. when he completes 501 points with the fewest possible attempts. Moreover, that match was perhaps the best duel in the history of the sport, as the Dutchman's rival only missed the ninth arrow, but after two series of three triple twenties, Smith perfectly threw the combination of triple 20, triple 19 and double 12 for 141 points.

The beginning of the match was mixed with success, because first the Dutch three-time world champion led 1-0, then Smith made it 2-1, but after five sets Van Gerwen had the advantage again. After that, the 32-year-old Smith clearly took control with a great game, winning four sets in a row against an increasingly uncertain van Gerwen. From there, there was no turning back for the 2014, 2017 and 2019 world champion, he only used his strength to improve.

Smith reached the top for the first time after losing the final in 2019 and last year, while his 33-year-old opponent fell short in the final for the third time.

The current WC broke the record for rounds of 180 points, the previous peak was 880, but this tournament ended with a series with a maximum score of 901.

(Source: Source: sportrajongo.hu, mti/Photo: pixabay)