He may have lost an incredible final at the US Darts Masters, but the tournament should be a 2019 turning point for Michael Smith.
By his very high standards, the Unicorn star has suffered a slump in form since the World Championship Final, but he was certainly back in business in Las Vegas.
“I was enjoying myself again,” he admitted. “I am sure it made a difference to my game and allowed me to play with freedom.”
“I know that I can head to Blackpool for the World Matchplay with confidence and belief that I can succeed.”
“The final with Nathan was brilliant. It was great to play in and we both played our part. Congratulations to him!”
Smith lost the Las Vegas final 8-4 to an inspired Nathan Aspinall, who actually hit 15 perfect scoring darts with a bounce out at the start of the match!
The Team Unicorn man produced three superb ton plus finishes but Aspinall won four straight legs to hit the Vegas jackpot.
Smith had also beaten Michael van Gerwen in the quarter-finals before accounting for Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals.
It certainly augurs well for the rest of the year for the man from St Helens.
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And the World Series roadshow now shifts to Cologne for the German Darts Masters on Friday.
Team Unicorn’s defending World Series Champion James Wade enters the fray. He will face Kevin Munch in the 1st Round, while Gary Anderson plays Nico Kurz.
Anderson was pleased with the way things went in Vegas. He was starting to look good again after hardly playing this year because of those back and elbow injuries. He perhaps should have won his quarter-final against Price, missing five darts for a 7-6 lead, however you could see that glint in his eye again!
Story from STUART PYKE
