Announcements

ST HELENS darter Michael Smith threw an incredible nine-darter on his way to a 7-5 Unibet Premier League win over Daryl Gurney in Dublin.

The Clock Face-based arrows ace made it back-to-back victories in the competion, helped by a perfect fourth leg - the competition's first nine-darter since 2017.

Smith followed two 180s with a sublime 141 checkout to bring 9,000 fans to their feet at a sell-out 3Arena.

The moment of magic came in the fourth leg of a tight contest as he levelled, with Gurney then leading 5-4 before seeing Smith claim the game's final three legs to take victory.

"It's a feeling you can't explain - it's amazing," said Smith. "I've never hit a nine-darter on TV before and this was special. I've never felt my heart beat so fast in my life!

"It's something on my list that I've ticked off now and I'm over the moon, but even more pleased to get the win too. I could have played better but I'm chuffed to get the win."

Smith has now put himself in pole position in the race to claim a £50,000 bonus from sponsors Unibet should a player achieve two nine-darters during the 2020 season, with his perfect leg being the first in the event since Adrian Lewis in April 2017.

Smith is one of five players sat on five points in a congested league table, one behind reigning champion Michael Van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall, who both enjoyed wins in Dublin.

NINE-DARTER!!!

MICHAEL SMITH STRIKES PERFECTION IN DUBLIN!

It's the first Premier League nine-darter since 2017!! pic.twitter.com/k2vebOPzYv

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 27, 2020