World darts champ Michael Smith slams 'jealous' keyboard warriors ...

16 Dec 2023

Extra.ie

Reigning champion Michael Smith took aim at “jealous” keyboard warriors after surviving a scare to progress on the opening night of the PDC World Darts Championship.

Michael Smith - Figure 1 — Photo Extra.ie

Smith began the defence of his 2023 title in nervy fashion as he was taken all the way by world number 66 Kevin Doets.

‘Bully Boy’, who beat Michael van Gerwen to win a maiden Ally Pally crown at the start of the year, was facing the prospect of becoming the first defending champion to go out at the first hurdle since 2009 when it went to a final-set decider with the Dutchman having the throw.

Michael Smith of England reacts in his second round match against Kevin Doets of the Netherlands on Day One of 2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 15, 2023 in London, England. Pic: Tom Dulat/Getty Images

But a brilliant 142 checkout in the opening leg of the fifth set settled any nerves and Smith was able to go on and win 3-2, ensuring a happy Christmas as he does not return to action until December 27.

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The two-time major winner has had a lean year by his standards with critics citing his change of darts manufacturer and post-world title-winning celebrations as the reasons for his slump in form.

Michael Smith of England reacts during Day Seven of the Cazoo World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace on December 21, 2022 in London, England. Pic: Pieter Verbeek/BSR Agency/Getty Images

Speaking in his post-match interview, he told reporters: ‘They (critics) can say all they want. They’re sat at home playing on a keyboard while I’m winning world titles. I really, really don’t care. They’re doing it for a reason and that’s that they’re jealous of what I’m doing.

Michael Smith - Figure 3 — Photo Extra.ie

‘I left the manufacturers for a reason. It wasn’t because I won the Worlds, two-and-a-half years ago I handed my notice in. It wasn’t overnight.

‘It’s a struggle because I hadn’t practiced for the whole ten months leading up to it. For the year I have enjoyed being world champion and being world no. 1. In the back of my mind I know I’m going to be a two, or three, or four (champion), but I wanted to enjoy the first ever and that’s all I wanted to do.

‘I’ve done every commitment that there is, media and darts or whatever. Away from that I wanted to enjoy myself with my wife and kids.’