Full of upsets, controversy, big scores and a spectacular final, what else do we expect from the World Championships.
Northern Ireland’s young upcoming star, Josh Rock has had an incredible year and some amazing clashes with some of the big stars including Michael Van Gerwen, where Rock hit a nine darter. So, coming into this tournament people knew to watch out for Rock. Rock still managed to get into the final 16 in his first appearance in this tournament, after easing past his first round then beating the 23rd seed Callan Rydz and then playing experienced Nathan Aspinall in a 4-3 blockbuster match which left Rock advancing. Then he ran into Multi darts trophy winner Johnny Clayton who was just too strong for Rock.
As for last years winner of the competition, Peter Wright, he suffered what would be considered an early exit. He lost 4-1 to Belguim international Kim Huybrechts. Sloppy darts from the former world champion cost him and saw him leave the competition in round 3.
As for an overachiever, Germany’s Gabriel Clemens had an amazing showing in the tournament. He breezed past William O’connor in the first round, then defeated both Jim Williams and Alan Souter to reach the quarter finals with the number 1 seed going into the competition, Gerwen Price. Clemens was not phased by facing a strong opponent and managed to convincingly stroll to victory despite Price’s mind games. He then moved into the semi finals facing Michael Smith. Clemens at first, did rock Smith but it wasn’t enough to beat the unstoppable Smith and Clemens faced a 6-2 defeat. Nonetheless, was a spectacular effort from the German star and might have to be looked out for in future competitions.
As for Gerwen Price, the number 1 going into the competition. He was a big favourite to win the competition from the beginning. In every game he played he was looking confident and beating opponents with ease. Until he came into the semi final with German darts star Gabriel Clemens. Clemens went 3-1 up and then Price decided to play the rest of the duration of the match with ear defenders on to block out the boos and chants from the fans. This wasn’t enough to make any sign of comeback as Clemens went on to win a comfortable 5-1.
After another brilliant competition, it was just the final left. Two of the quickest and highest scorers in the game. Three time World championship winner Michael Van Gerwen against last years runner up Michael Smith. Let’s just say it didn’t disappoint. 37 180’s and the best leg of darts ever witnessed which had both players on for the nine darter, Van Gerwen missing a dart for the nine darter then Smith hitting the big score and making history. Smith then went on to have an outstanding match up and defeating Van Gerwen 7 sets to 4.
Michael Smith finally is part of the few winners of the competition and makes history. The ‘bully boy’ cements his name in history finally after 2 previous appearances in the final, coming out short. Smith now goes number 1 seeding heading into the new year. After winning the grand slam and now the world championship, it is inevitable that the English star will going into 2023 full of confidence and I think this is just the start of his major title wins.
That’s all the talking points for the World championship darts, another brilliant year of darts, 2023 better not disappoint.