Smith Had "doubts" Over Winning on TV Again

Michael Smith claimed his first-ever World Series title and admitted “doubts” whether he’d win on TV again. Bully Boy beat Rob Cross 8-2 in the final of the Shanghai Darts Masters at the Pullman Hotel Shanghai South on Saturday Night. The 2018 Premier League finalist battled past the field to secure the £20,000 top prize and win a first televised title since winning the World Youth Championship in 2013. Smith followed up his day one whitewash victory over Xiao Chen Zong with a 8-5 win over Royden Lam, who had become the first Asian qualifier in the history of the Shanghai Darts Masters to register a win after his victory over Gary Anderson the night before. The Semi-Final stage saw Smith end world number one Michael van Gerwen's run as Shanghai Darts Masters Champion with an impressive 8-4 win. He said: “I have just won on stage and it feels amazing. It's my third title of the year and after the Premier League I was getting doubts in my head whether I would get another chance to win a TV title, but I got it today. “I didn’t play my best, but I was battling all the way, didn’t let my head drop and kept my spirits high.” Smith now heads to the World Matchplay next week filled with confidence as he looks to claim another title for his growing collection. He added: “Two years ago I made a Semi-Final and that was all that was on my record. I didn’t get lucky in the Premier League – I was showing that I could battle, win matches and I finished second. I have a won a Pro Tour, World Series and the next is a major now. If I can do that in a calendar year then I will be happy.” Cross began the final day of action in style beating James Wade 8-3 with an average of 106 to progress to the last four. There, the World Champion met Peter Wright where once again Cross would prove too strong for his opponent, coming out an 8-5 winner but ultimately ran out of steam in the final against Smith. Cross said: “In fairness, Michael deserved that – I was useless. At the same time, I can’t be disappointed… I felt knackered when I started and come the final I just didn’t have the energy left, I thought I was lucky to hit the dartboard – but fair play to Michael.” By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)