Team Unicorn ace Michael Smith came close to a second World Series title but was edged out in a high-class match by Peter Wright.
After winning the all Unicorn semi-final against Gary Anderson, the St Helens star battled bravely but Wright’s superior finishing at the crucial moments swung the match his way.
Wright had taken out Michael van Gerwen with a brilliant display in the semi-finals at the Hisense Arena.
Incredibly the first 13 legs of the final were won on throw! Smith had taken out some important finishes to stay in it....120, 75 and 71 but in the 14th leg Wright found a superb 130 check-out on D5 to break throw!
To his credit, Smith hit back immediately only for Wright to nail a 131 finish and he held his nerve to win only his second tournament of the year, claiming an 11-8 victory.
Smith had stunned Anderson in the semi-finals as he raced 4-0 up and then won six of the last seven legs to wrap up a convincing win with eight 180s.
The World Series roadshow has now moved onto Brisbane.
Results S/Finals:
Michael Smith 11-5 Gary Anderson
Peter Wright 11-7 Michael van Gerwen
Final:
Peter Wright 11-8 Michael Smith
Story from STUART PYKE at the Melbourne Darts Masters
Image courtesy PDC
