Michael Smith sends a message to everyone as the season hots up “  I’ve given everyone a free ride for eight months. It’s time I come back now.”

Michael Smith sends a message to everyone as the season hots up “  I’ve given everyone a free ride for eight months. It’s time I come back now.”

World champion and world number one Michael Smith booked his place in the quarter-finals of the World Grand Prix for the first time in his career. The double-in format is one that has not suited Smith but the relief was evident when the winning moment happened.

“I’m over the moon to finally get the win,

“The very first time was Jamie Lewis. I was two sets up, two legs up and going against Brendon I was always thinking about how I’ve been in this position before, blew it and lost.”

Smith will now face UK Open champion Andrew Gilding in the last 8 of the World Grand Prix.

. “I think we both have to win that game. Not only Andrew, I’m not going to give you some clickbait title,” he laughs. “I think me and Andrew have both got to raise our game, the fans deserve better.”

Smith is yet to win a ranking title in 2023 since becoming world champion, but BullyBoy has been fired up again after taking some time to enjoy his achievements.

“The reason it’s been a quiet year is because I wanted to celebrate what I’ve won. I’m not going to shy away from the fact we work so hard in the PDC and it’s not only playing darts, we do media, we do everything else,” he explains. “This year I’ve enjoyed myself. I’ve been partying, I’ve been all with the family, with the kids now it’s time to work again. I’ve given everyone a free ride for eight months. It’s time I come back now.”