Michael Smith has been crowned champion of the Grand Slam of Darts, after blowing away fellow Englishman Nathan Aspinall 16-5 in Wolverhampton. Smith put in a remarkable showing to add the Grand Slam crown to his trophy cabinet.
It was 'Bully Boy' who started the stronger, as the world No. 4 broke throw immediately by capitalising on a sloppy opening from Aspinall to ensure he started with the advantage. Looking to build on his quick start, Smith managed to hold the throw across the opening six legs to take a 4-2 advantage.
Things then got even better for the Englishman, as he broke for the second time in the match in leg seven, checking out double 10 to move three legs ahead of his rival.
Aspinall knew he had to get himself into the match fast. With Smith moving three legs clear, the game was beginning to slip away from the Stockport star already but his fightback finally came eight legs in.
After losing his throw for the second time, he immediately battled back by breaking Smith's throw for the first time to reduce the deficit to 5-2. Agonisingly for Aspinall though his sloppiness crept straight back in.
In a dramatic few minutes on the oche, the throw swung once more as Smith broke back instantly, before going onto hold his own and extend his advantage to four legs. With the interval looming things then got even worse for the Stockport man.
Aspinall had already given himself an uphill task with a slow start, and things became even tougher when he surrendered his throw once more, gifting Smith a five leg advantage heading into the break.
After the interval it was more of the same from Smith. The Englishman knew he needed just six frames to come away with the title, and he quickly reduced that to five by claiming the first leg after the restart.
The game was quickly slipping away from Aspinall, and his frustations were beginning to show. Smith however was quick to take advantage and continued to usher his rival aside by claiming his fifth break of throw on the night.
Two more legs and one more break followed as the 32-year-old seemingly turned a tournament final into an exhibition as he moved 14-5 ahead, and in touching distance of the title. The final nail in the coffin followed for Aspinall, as Smith held his throw before breaking his rival once more to secure a demolition victory.
