Michael van Gerwen praises Michael Smith following World Darts Championship final

Michael van Gerwen has praised Michael Smith for his display in the World Darts Championship final after Smith beat him 7-4 to take home the trophy.

The pair enjoyed 11 superb legs of darts, with Smith converting a stunning nine-darter after van Gerwen missed a chance to convert one of his own in the second leg.

THE BEST LEG OF ALL TIME! 🤯🔥

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN MISSES D12 FOR A NINE-DARTER, AND THEN SMITH PINS A PERFECT LEG HIMSELF!

ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS YOU'LL EVER SEE IN SPORT. pic.twitter.com/WyKWFcxq5V

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2023

“Michael played a phenomenal game, he deserves this win. I didn’t play too well in the last few sets but I can only blame myself for that, you have to take it on the chin.”

Van Gerwen admitted it’s tough to take losses but reiterated that he will find himself in another final in the future.

“When we celebrate it’s a nice job, and when we lose games, it’s hard.

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“I wasn’t what I wanted to be, but that’s part of the game unfortunately. I will be back.”

The four-time world champion averaged 99.58 during the final despite coming away with the loss, but having won the Premier League, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and the Players Championship final in 2022, he will feel very proud of the year he has had as he remains third on the PDC Order of Merit.