Gerwyn Price has sent a message of congratulations to new PDC World Darts Championship winner Michael Smith.
'Bully Boy' was victorious over Michael Van Gerwen in the final on Tuesday night at Alexandra Palace, as a classic finale was played out in front of the London crowd. Smith hit a perfect leg in the second set, after Van Gerwen missed double 12 for his own nine-darter. PDC Darts called it "the best leg of all time".
Welshman Price was knocked out on Sunday evening by Gabriel Clemens, after controversially donning a pair of ear defenders to block out abuse from the crowd. The vitriol, which has been mounting for a number of years, saw Price threaten to never play at the World Championship again (read the full story here), however 'The Iceman' showed his class on social media after Smith secured his first world championship title.
"What a final congratulations Michael Smith World Champion World No1", he said on Twitter. On Instagram, he said: "Congratulations Michael Smith, well deserved, many more to come, enjoy mate".
Social media users were full of support for 'Gezzy', who has endured a tumultuous tournament as crowd abuse appeared to reach boiling point.
"You’re a great champion Gezzy. Don’t let the crowd get in your head. Proper bloke. Come back again stronger next year mate," said one.
"Great final by both. Gezzy don't let the crowd win, they aren't darts fans, onwards and upwards. You're so much better than that," said another.
Meanwhile, Champion Smith was ecstatic during his post-match interview, and explained that the moment will "never be topped".
"My two best achievements are sat over there, my two kids," Smith told Sky Sports. "As a sporting memory it's the greatest ever, and I don't think that will ever be topped. Even if I win a second, it will never top the way I've just felt then."
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