Michael Smith began his World Darts Championship defence in style last night, producing a top class performance as he secured a second round victory over Kevin Doets at Alexandra Palace.
There were a couple of stages in the match where the Dutch underdog looked as though he could pull off a shock, at one point leading 2-1 in the first to three sets affair. However, Smith would show his class in upping his level of play over the final two sets to ensure passage into the next round.
The Englishman has not quite his tip form in 2023 in the aftermath of winning his first world title back in January, with some believing he took his eye off the ball in the months that followed. He failed to reach another final in a ranked televised event in 2023, with some believing his consistent celebrations following the world final win played a part in that.
READ HERE: Remembering Phil Taylor's On-Air Scuffle With Wayne Mardle
Michael Smith calls out keyboard warriors after World Darts Championship win
Michael Smith has not been shy to talk himself up in the past, taking the opportunity to call out those who have criticised him after last night's game.
When asked about the criticism he received for switching darts manufacturer and going on a number of lavish trips after his world title win, he said it all came down to jealousy.
Those jealous keyboard warriors having opinions about darts equipment 😡 pic.twitter.com/i5cFkCLbs8
— DartsAnonymous (@anonymous_darts) December 16, 2023
Reporter: On social media, people have jumped on you for swapping darts manufacturer and the Vegas thing. Does that make you more determined to come here and say 'I'm no. 1 for a reason'? Is there something in there that wants to show that again?
Smith: They can say all they want. They're sat at home playing on a keyboard while I'm winning world titles. I really, really don't care. They're doing it for a reason and that's that they're jealous of what I'm doing.
I left the manufacturers for a reason. It wasn't because I won the Worlds, two-and-a-half years ago I handed my notice in. It wasn't overnight.
It's a struggle because I hadn't practiced for the whole ten months leading up to it. For the year I have enjoyed being world champion and being world no. 1. In the back of my mind I know I'm going to be a two, or three, or four (time world chahmpion), but I wanted to enjoy the first ever and that's all I wanted to do.
I've done every commitment that there is, media and darts or whatever. Away from that I wanted to enjoy myself with my wife and kids.
Michael Smith is not considered as one the three or four favourites to win this edition of the World Darts Championship, although he will no doubt be in the mix if he can replicate this level of performance moving forward.
He will now have a lengthy break before his next appearance at Ally Pally, with his third round match not taking place until after Christmas.
SEE ALSO: Remembering Phil Taylor's Heated Run-In With Peter Manley In The World Championship Final
