03 January 2023 , 21:03
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Darts fans have been left astounded after Michael Smith and Michael van Gerwen played out the greatest legs in darts history. The leg saw Smith seal a remarkable nine-dart finish as he took on van Gerwen in the final of the World Darts Championship.
In spite of Smith's magic, the three-time world champion also more than played his part. Van Gerwen found himself one set to the good and looked on course to make it 2-0 in set two.
And he looked like he might do exactly that, as he threw eight perfect darts to leave him one double away from picking up just the second nine-dart finish in World final history.
Whilst van Gerwen threw a 180 and a 177 in, Smith landed two maximums of his own, as the two finalists matched each other in a sensational minute-or-so of darts. The Dutchman was no doubt keen to ensure Smith did not get a chance to finish off his leg, but agonisingly missed on his ninth dart to give the Englishman a chance to secure his own spectacular finish.
Gerwyn Price left red-faced after wearing ear defenders to block fans out
Up stepped Smith. 'Bully Boy' rattled in his treble 20, before landing his treble 19 to the amazement of the Alexander Palace crowd.
The famous double 12 was left and Smith made no mistake, to take the roof off the iconic Ally Pally venue.
Both Smith and van Gerwen showed their respect to each other's piece of magic (PA)One man who could not quite believe his eyes was Sky Sports commentator Wayne Mardle. Commenting on Smith's - and Van Gerwen's - moment of magic, Mardle was heard bellowing: "That is the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see!"
Left in sheer shock at what he had just witnessed, the commentator went on: "I can't speak, I can't speak!"
Smith went on to win the set to level the match up at 1-1, before both players added another set to their tally to level things up at 2-2.