Defeat for Daryl Gurney as Michael Smith hits nine-darter

Smith hit the first ever nine-darter in the competition at the Dublin venue on his way to condemning ‘Superchin’ to a third defeat in four games.

Gurney is bottom of the table and faces a huge game against Rob Cross in Exeter next week.

“They are all big games, I had the game in my grasp for a draw as a minimum at least,” said Gurney.

“Michael Smith was very lucky to get the win, I had six darts to go 6-5 up but it didn’t happen.

“I’m bottom, will I come out of it? I keep trying every week.”

Smith moved into the top with the aid of his first televised nine-darter.

“The nine-darter is only one leg but I managed to get the win as well as well which was more important,” said Smith.

“It has been seven years since I hit one I’m over the moon.

“I have missed it a few times on TV, every other one has been to win a match and that’s the first time it has been half-way through the game.

“Daryl is a really good friend, he’s a loveable person and a nice character in this game - there are not many around.”

Leg 11 was the only break in the game and it put Bully Boy 6-5 and throwing for the match in the final leg.

The first three legs of the match went with throw to leave Gurney 2-1 up.

Leg four broke saw the 9,000 crowd lift the roof of the 3Arena, Smith hit 6 180s and his next visit was treble 20, treble 19 and D12 for the prefect leg.

Gurney kept his composure and took leg five on tops.

Smith replied with the same double in the next leg to level it up again.

The next four legs all went with the throw. Scores of 140, 100, 97 and 98 got Superchin to the double first in leg 11.

But with the crowd getting on his back he missed five at the outer ring and Smith punished with tops.

Smith comfortably held his throw in the last leg to clinch the victory.