Michael Smith, the former darts world champion, is not bothered by those who doubt him or show disrespect towards him. He believes his impressive track record speaks for itself, much like a strong CV when applying for a job. Despite facing some challenges with his form this year, Smith managed to defeat Mensur Suljovic 5-2 in his Grand Slam of Darts opener. This victory was crucial for him as he aims to defend his title and maintain his ranking in the competition.
During the match, Smith highlighted a crucial moment where he scored a 96 checkout with two double 19s, which he believes shifted the momentum in his favor. He acknowledged that while it was a tough battle, he felt confident overall. With 17 Pro Tour titles under his belt, Smith is confident that his accomplishments in the sport speak volumes and serve as a strong response to his critics.
Despite Smith’s success, another young player, Luke Littler, stole the spotlight with his remarkable performance in the Slam debut. The 17-year-old, known as The Nuke, swiftly defeated 22-year-old Keane Barry 5-0 in just six minutes, showcasing an impressive average of 112.16. Littler attributed his success to consistent practice and preparation leading up to the event.
Overall, the darts world continues to witness both seasoned champions like Michael Smith and emerging talents like Luke Littler making their mark in the sport. While Smith remains unfazed by naysayers and focuses on his game, Littler’s rapid rise in the competition serves as a testament to the bright future of darts and the exciting talent it continues to attract.