Michael Smith is upbeat despite van Gerwen defeat in Belfast “He’s still the best and you want to beat the best.”

It was a repeat of the World Championship final on Night 1 of the 2023 Premier League of Darts. Just like at Ally Pally, this one didn’t disappoint either.

Micahel van Gerwen this time got the better of Smith in Belfast to progress to the semi-finals on night 1 of the Premier League. 

Smith speaking after the defeat wasn’t downbeat as he felt he played some solid stuff and only 3 missed darts at tops cost him.

 

“It didn’t slip away. Michael played well, I enjoyed being in that game then and I was just gutted when he went off in that last leg 180 and I went treble, treble. Missed it and looked straight at the commentary box and thought of Mardle in my head and thought of ‘I can’t spake’,” he said to Online Darts.

“I’m just glad it was week one and not week 14 if I’m chasing points or I need points or whatever so no I’m happy with the way I played, ton plus average so I didn’t do much wrong. It’s the first week I’m not fussed.”

“He said to me mate this isn’t the first one. I know we only get two games but I’m pretty sure we will play in semi’s or finals in the Premier League. He wants to smash me up, I want to smash him up that’s how darts should be played. He’s still the best and you want to beat the best.”