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Michael Smith ends MVG hoodoo – Darts Premier League round up
Michael Smith admitted he’s never screamed as loud as when he finally ended his Michael van Gerwen hoodoo.
The St.Helens hurler produced a devastating display to dump MVG 7-4 and go joint top of the PDC Premier League with Glen Durrant. Michael Smith, known as Bully Boy, was in epic form, blitzing the Dutchman in the early stages including a 134 finish with two double tops in Exeter.
Michal Smith wobbled in the latter stages but eventually was delighted to get the job done.
Speaking exclusively to Phil Lanning for Colossus, Michael Smith said: “It was pure relief. Even from the second leg when he had three darts at double 14, I could have won that a lot easier than I did. Michael didn’t turn up.”
“I kept giving him chance after chance but, when it finally went in, I’ve never heard my throat scream that loud. I’m just glad to get the win and get some more points on the board.”
“It’s a massive result. I think the year I finished runner-up I lost to Michael twice and finished just three points behind him. It’s early in the league and it’s really tight now. Those points mean a lot because I’ve got some tough games coming up.”
“When I got to six legs I kept telling myself ‘it’s not job done’. I nearly blew it but luckily I got the win. The negative thoughts were creeping in. But I got there in the end and I’m happy!”
Glen Durrant pulled off a big shock by dumping the on-fire Iceman Gerwyn Price 7-3 and then slammed all the pundits who wrote him off!
He said: “It’s a very cool venue. It’s an incredible atmosphere, it bounces on stage. I think I’ve just beaten one of the top three players in the world.”
“I read Wayne Mardle, Paul Nicholson and Gerwyn Price himself, the beauty of travelling down to Exeter by train is that I had a chance to read what they all said about this match and none of them gave me a chance.”
“I’m a three-time BDO World Champion and on my day I can beat anybody. They put the fire in my belly tonight so I’d like to thank those three for my victory.
“I’m just having the most amazing time. I think I have the best support in the land. The beauty now is to read every message and answer them all. I am such a happy man right now. I’m loving every second of this amazing experience.”
World Youth Champ Luke Humphries sneaked past Gary Anderson 7-5 in a thriller, taking the win with a madhouse double one kill.
‘Cool Hand Luke’ became the first player to win as a Challenger in the Premier League at the 14th attempt. Ironically against Anderson, who’s withdrawal from the tournament a year ago prompted the introduction of the weekly wild card.
Humphries said: “I’ve never been so nervous in my life. I really wanted to be the first Challenger to win and I think I let it get to me. I feel like I’ve got a point to prove to everybody. I don’t really but I feel I do. After my World Championship appearances I feel I have to go out and play brilliant every time.”
Week 5 Results, Westpoint, Exeter.
Rob Cross 6-6 Daryl Gurney
Gerwyn Price 3-7 Glen Durrant
Nathan Aspinall 3-7 Peter Wright
Gary Anderson 5-7 Luke Humphries
Michael Smith 7-4 Michael van Gerwen
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