Michael Smith & Michael van Gerwen's EPIC final! | World Darts Championship Final 2023 Highlights

[@107fh]

Watched this 3 times back. The commentary by Mardle on that 9 darter gives me goosebumps everytime 😂

[@markwilliams3696]

Me too, watch it 6 times back

[@_berchman]

I’m up to 10. Only parallel I could draw would be 2 golfers with back to back hole in ones. You have a better chance winning the lottery than seeing a leg of darts like that again. Actually can’t believe it never happened between the Power and Jackpot.

[@andrewmay1299]

@@_berchman what a ridiculous comment. Talk us through your workings on those probabilities please?

[@_berchman]

@@andrewmay1299 let me see… I’ll explain it like your 5. How hard is a hole in one? Pretty hard Andrew. How hard is a 9 darter? Pretty hard. Now have 2 people do it back to back. It’s hypothetical.

[@andrewmay1299]

@@_berchman ‘I’ll explain it like your 5.’ That should be ‘you’re’. Not ‘your’. Obviously. I was referring to your comment about having a better chance of winning the lottery than seeing a leg of darts like that again. Please can you clarify the probabilities you were referring to when you made that statement?

[@Samjie]

Couldn't be happier for him. Such a likeable bloke. I loved how supportive his family were. Just incredible.

[@dave-ld8mo]

The interview at the end is absolutely class from both Michaels. That’s true sportsmanship. Bullyboy who says Van Gerwen is the best in the sport and Van Gerwen answering that Smith absolutely deserved this. I am looking forward to many more encounters of these two greats

[@lukepercy497]

I loved how bully went to celebrate, then went back to shake hands. So impressed with his respect at a time like that.

[@dave-ld8mo]

@@lukepercy497 And then went on to celebrate with his family. Then he went back to the stage and realised that he forgot to shake hands with the officials Also, when he was asked if this is the greatest moment of his life he answered with: "the two greatest moments sit over there (refering to his kids). That was so heartwarming.

[@lukepercy497]

@@dave-ld8mo ❤️👌🤣 laughing bout forgetting the officials, and yeah, that was Gold, the line about his boys 😍

[@Haltzo]

Im happy Smith won it, since MVG's cheating behaviour vs Dimi

[@shayneflett]

@@Haltzo have a day off

[@dana7553]

I've loved MVG ever since he first came round on the scene and he has won his fair share of titles and the prize money that comes with it but Bully Boy absolutely deserved that. And MVG with his praise of Smith at the end and saying he doesn't give himself any justice is probably the best thing another Darts player could probably hear, recognition from someone who is as decorated as MVG after a world finals loss, absolute respect.

[@_berchman]

Word.

[@philipdawson7800]

MvG is an absolute class act, man. I don't understand why some people hate him.

[@anthonysaracho0812]

@@philipdawson7800 Probably because he's that good. Fans of a certain player would hate a player who beats theirs a lot of times. I love Smith. I hate it when MvG beats him. Hahaha. But props to MvG. He's such a class act despite his loss. i hope darts would make it to the olympics someday.

[@dieserbene2533]

​@@anthonysaracho0812Exactly my thoughts. I respect Mvg as a person and a sportsman 100% but I love to see him lose just because he has won that many games and titles. But, and I repeat myself, nothinf against him he is a worldclass player and person!

[@mickeyormsby8222]

@@philipdawson7800 9i

[@dennismault196]

Doubles let van Gaerwen down . Both played 110% best match ever . Fair play to van Gaerwen good looser applauded Smith.

[@n.w.londoner6369]

More like pressure

[@richardgallagher121]

Mvg wasn't at his best half the match

[@evervol1]

Not a Smith fan at all but... you can't fault anyone who plays that well

[@piratescove4]

Yeah, I've never seen MVG throw so many 45-59 scores. Hell, didn't see many 60s. The thing that helped him save his face here was his doubles. He took out a few big shots later on. And he still hit some 180s but he was flustered. It was like watching the first couple of times MVG played Phil Taylor. Then he got himself right. Almost always people choke up and throw short in their first final win. Michael Smith wasn't fazed at all. This might have been the most entertaining final ever. So happy for Michael Smith.

[@coryelstob8394]

MVG buckled under the pressure from Smith. Think he was shocked he was keeping up with him at his best early on

[@ryanstringer]

Never really watched the Darts but I have this tournament. What a treat it has been!! THAT 9 dart leg was incredible to watch.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

It's an incredible sport .

[@AD_Saffa_HD]

What's more iconic? Both players being on a nine darter in 1 leg and one scores it, or the commentator shouting "I CAN'T SPAKE"

[@KenzieRetro]

You can't seperate the two

[@Akash_Tyagi_93]

All of it.

[@StøneyBrø-91]

Still here 18 months down the line. Amazing final. That 9 dart leg will never be forgotten. Incredible.

[@VoodooToad.]

Tears from me with every watch when he gets to his family. What a moment.

[@jacobwalden5327]

4:10 Has to be the greatest leg in darts history. At the world championships with a great crowd reaction too. Unbelievable!

[@kevingedge5486]

I can't spake, I can't spake 🤣🤣🤣

[@Sting523]

Whats the difference between spake and speak? 😂

[@fourcandles9413]

@@Sting523 ones English the others scouse

[@JB.924]

@@Sting523cocaine and happiness mixed together

[@powerplay.556]

Good job to the Sky Sports commentary team, in particular Wayne, John and Emma. Wayne's call on the 9-darter was outstanding and reminded me of John Gwynne's '17 perfect darts' call, which remains the best. I enjoy John Part's dry humour and respect his tremendous knowledge of the sport. Emma's closing remarks each night "it'd be silly not to come back and watch tomorrow" was also a highlight. And she looks good!

[@ThMindFdr]

She hasnt a clue asking ridiculous questions and trying to fill screen air time, seems to be a trend lately!! 🙄

[@Jonathan-mj1oe]

@@ThMindFdr Nice for the eyes tho

[@GamingRamen93]

Mardles commentary is always 👌

[@no1wasgeorgiebest]

@@Jonathan-mj1oe his commentary is awful. Literally just shouts Bullseye

[@Jonathan-mj1oe]

@@no1wasgeorgiebest was talking about the host chick notthe commentator lol

[@kgriffjr1983]

Forget the highlights, we need a full match upload! Outstanding darts from both players.

[@BlueHopi144]

there is a channel on yutube with the full match upload i think

[@KingJohnson1985]

@@BlueHopi144 i already downloaded that, before it evaporates from youtube its on LDScore channel

[@macfin4862]

So happy for Michael Smith. I was one that never thought he'd do it, immensely talented but never seems to carry himself with a great deal of confidence, but I imagine winning this will change all that. Now he's got one it's hard to imagine him not winning more!

[@rnrn7127]

This match makes me wanna start a Darts professional career! The players, the crowd atmosphere, the thriller, everything is top notch! Definitely best i have ever seen and for sure will want to attend a match like this!

[@juans3728]

I have watched several finals but this one takes the cake, absolutely a superb iconic final with precision play.

[@fourcandles9413]

So you must be under 15 years old then

[@patrickryan5570]

What an epic final - Michael Smith was phenomenal - Outstanding victory - Fair play to Michael van Gerwen for making it a great match and for being so gracious in defeat - A true gentleman.

[@cro1986]

THAT 9-dart finish was awesome, congrats Smith👏👏👏

[@DeclanJ-ri1ew]

could watch that 9 all day unreal 🤩👏

[@marcothorsen950]

Wow !! 👍Absolute Goosebumps 💯 Watched it live and my Local pub was going crazy.. Amazing from both players & Great sportsmanship. Darts has never been better. The quality out there is on another level currently.🎯🏆 Love MVG ❤️ he was hurting, but showed great respect for Smith..

[@stevesheppard5585]

Oh my god, it just doesnt get any better than that. I have always been in awe of Michael Smiths throw and so disappointed for him when losing so many finals, well thats now changed, he has achieved what he has deserved and I hope he realises that in the darting world, he is now a Lionheart.

[@Dannyjohnw...]

How the crowd was cheering for both players was unreal !👍 brilliant entertainment.

[@chalkyboy7]

This was such a joy to watch!

[@tmmotonz]

That 9 dart leg must be the best leg of darts in history. That was genuinely unbelievable and the commentary topped it off

[@andygray1762]

17 perfect darts in one leg. Unreal.

[@nickryder1224]

Best darts match I've seen! If Smith got that 9 darter to win, that would've been the best way to win ever! Nonetheless, it's been a treat to see these two incredible dart players in the final!

[@tim-9071]

Look at borlands 9 darter to win a match That was also awesome

[@aleobago28]

What a performance from both 🔥🔥

[@S-fn3oe]

It's darts

[@kurtjappy]

@@S-fn3oe great darts

[@peterruff5810]

​@@S-fn3oeReally? i thought it was Cricket.

[@JonponMusic]

You can tell MVG is hurting a lot and he'll take some time off but think if he plays like that over the whole tournament (100+ avg almost every game), he'll get it in 2024. Huge props to both players.

[@Danja96420]

I love the most replayed feature it just shows we all wanted to rewatch that best minute of darts ever🙌

[@bryanwarren7843]

A lovely bloke. So humble and talented

[@harrycallahan9143]

25:50 I got a bit teary eyed, what a lovely moment.

[@Jay-wg7ow]

That leg with a 9 darter was phenomenal best ever leg of dates

[@Zeugenschutz]

Thank you to SKY for putting on a great darts show over xmas and new year. Emma is such a great presenter! That leg of darts can never ever be topped!

[@sammarquez171]

Eversince I never have doubted Michael Smith to make it as a world champion. I am a huge fan!

[@KIANAUSTIN372]

It’s so nice that as soon as he won he came running down to his wife and kids

[@HollywoodsFinest111]

A Moment of Silence for everyone who didnt watch this epic Final.

[@jacklowe3037]

That was one of the best games I’ve seen and that leg where Michael missed a 9 then bully boy nails a 9 my god never seen the like. It was brilliant. Fair play to bully boy I gave nobody a chance vs MVG but he did it and he deserves it.

[@fourcandles9413]

2007 says hi

[@jacklowe3037]

@@fourcandles9413 I said one of not the best. Part vs The Power was also another great match.

[@dartagnion1]

I was so pleased that Michael Smith won this match after his disappointment of last year and the reaction from his eldest son with the continuation of the word 'yes' was wonderful to see. Really well deserved win,two brilliant darts players trying their best. I must also add how gracious Michael van Gerwen was after the defeat,that was class!

[@flashicles]

literally my first time watching anything about darts competitively and the vibes are immaculate

[@TD14AH]

Just have to comeback and watch this every now and again

[@tinadavies4195]

I knew M.S.would win.. so nice to watch..loved the way he went to his family can't beat that.👏👏👏.. And well done MVG.

[@paulbowman1762]

Can anyone recall seeing a leg like the 9 Darter before ? WOW ! I can't stop watching it on repeat ! I luv this start to the new year !

[@thecelt4807]

when sport became art ..what a match ,be hard to top that

[@peterbrown8880]

The Total Respect After This Amazing Classic Is Priceless!!!

[@lucalang8276]

I cant stop watching this leg hahahah this commentary is also legendary

[@omengyanigallery]

kudos to MVG hes so humble and sports man

[@jimothy1967]

That leg. One of the sporting moments of all time.

[@JonDiRoma]

What a final that was

[@jonathanmatonga5452]

I should attend one of these tournaments.

[@PaulHattle]

Class. Well done to both. What an epic final.

[@johnhawkes3323]

Massive congratulations Michael, well deserved, couldn't have happened to a nicer person, GET IN THERE SMITHY what a player 🏆👌🤯💥💥💥

[@ultra6737]

It could be years before we see another Phil Taylor,but bloody hell some great dart players on planet earth. 💯 What a final...absolute top banana🔥🔥

[@stingerbee8346]

You will never see another Phil Taylor.

[@fourcandles9413]

You'll never see a player as dominant as Taylor again.

[@daimo_4750]

@@stingerbee8346 Never say never. They probably said the same about Maradona in the 80s but along came Messi a few decades later. As much as I love The Power, a phenom, I wouldn't rule out a player of the same ilk coming along further down the line. Although i can't see even Jesus Christ himself winning 16 world titles, but that's a different story.

[@fourcandles9413]

@@daimo_4750 Yeah funny everyone said that about MVG who now has the worst win percentage of any player to appear in 6 or more world championship finals.

[@phezza2000]

15:07 - biggest turning point? MVG gets a 180, then Smith checks out 130 to break, going on to win the next 3 sets! What a final....

[@paulwalker1793]

Absolutely fantastic game, two great players ,, congratulations Michael Smith. Champion of the world

[@ScrumStories]

Great!!!

[@ToranK]

Briliant darts from both. Phenomenal.This one is for the History Books.

[@RazeRDP]

What a game that leg was insane 🤌🏼🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@robertodiaz8050]

I’ve never seen darts before this matchup but I keep coming back 😂

[@iwanjamesphillips12]

Such a beautiful moment when he runs down to his family, what a player and what a gentleman, up the bully boy 🏆

[@philbrazier475]

One of the best game of darts I have ever seen and I mean that well done smith but wow what a fantastic game

[@cryptocannabis1030]

Now that's one for the history books! Sheeesh 🔥

[@icefoxgaming2870]

MVG felt the pressure otherwise his doubles aren’t normally this dodgy. But who wouldn’t feel pressured in the final. Both played brilliant darts and that’s got to be the greatest game I have witnessed

[@daimo_4750]

Testament to Smith I reckon. He was scoring heavily and rarely missing a double himself. That kind of consistent pressure will catch up with even the best of players. MVG seemed a little off his game even though his average was amazing. He just seemed a bit flustered but, again, credit to Smith for putting him in that position. But what a game of darts that was.

[@tommypresutti8990]

Unreal match! Never known the like, there were signals this could happen in the grand slam when I saw him against Barney, he's carried it on in the championship leading to that unreal performance!

[@h0016911]

Watching Smith’s throw is so enjoyable.

[@andreikeating3584]

Amazing, really happy for smith. Some wonderful words from van gerwen too class ❤ 🏹

[@jamesdunlop9678]

Massive congrats to Michael Smith. What a final last night

[@charliegriffin4908]

Both players superb.

[@dujesimic6647]

That leg was just nonsense. Finally I've watched 9 live on tv. And that's the best 9 ever.

[@joe-vl3nd]

What a Game👍🇬🇧

[@jimkhana007]

Amazing, Well played to both players for a superb match but also for both men being gracious in victory and defeat… 👏👏👏👏👏

[@MilanDvorak-cc7cu]

Excellent from both, . this year's final is a tribute to the art of darts.

[@paulbowman1762]

It's not that often Michael gets beat 5-1 after being 3-2 up, and the averages speak for themselves so it's a truly amazing show of darts we've ever seen ! Oh ! And the nine dart leg wasn't bad either Lads ! WOW ! Thanks so much and the Respect by both player's for each other especially Michael in defeat is what makes this a truly special final !

[@drensalihu5225]

Respect maximum for these 2 guy!👑

[@ailexediong8469]

That was a great game. They pulled each others games up.

[@anthonyrooksmith3189]

Smith was exceptional in this. To be fair both were but smith was so calm and determined.

[@joshholgate3074]

I’ll admit I come back to this at least once a week 😂😂😂😂

[@erwinsantiago-hz3ju]

Michael Smith is so cool and respectful

[@phillydavison]

I love MVG and I'm sure he is gutted but you can't begrudge bully boy this win, likeable guy and great player, thrilled for him. Darts is in a great place right now.

[@jameshill8711]

Brilliant match. Well done to both finalists.

[@susanpickford2915]

Wow Fantastic Achievement I've Enjoyed Every Minute Of This Tournament Respect To MVG 👏Well Done To Michael Smith For A Well Deserved Win 👏👏👏👏👏👏🥂🍾

[@Redz922]

So glad Smith got it - he deserved it over anyone else. Couldn’t be happier for bully Boy 💪🏼

[@telmo2460]

AMAZING CROWD! AMAZING PLAYERS!

[@JelleVH]

Im a total MvG fan but damn, Smith was on fire. What a final

[@IxDarkxNinjaxI]

Just phenomenal, and good sportsmanship. Brilliant all around

[@stingerbee8346]

I loved the sportsmanship and humility after the game. Both have grown up. Oh, and MORE DAN DAWSON PLEASE!

[@stephencomer2952]

what a final sensational darts from both players

[@supercellgenius9302]

So glad smith won it, much more humble human being. Great job bully boy

[@thecatsarse6542]

This match left me spakeless!

[@sipadborn]

Best Game ever! I love Michael Smith!!

[@frankforster706]

4:09 to 5:29 EPIC! From 4:40 onwards, goosebumps all over

[@duckingfuzz7847]

I wish I watched this and the celebration at end with his kid brilliant

[@shaukahodan2373]

Good lad. Laid all the previous heartbreak to rest and nailed it. Fair play to MVG. It takes two to make a final like that and he was gracious in defeat. I've been watching darts

[@elliottweston8058]

Van gerwen is a first class sportsman.

[@gordonbiggar6779]

Really enjoyed this final and so proud smith won it best player won it and a nine dart finish as well superb well done Smyth

[@masterkontrollprogramm7122]

This "Dad,Dad,Dad" in the last sequence is absolutely heartbreaking.

[@wanderer7755]

Pure class from both players from start to finish. Epic stuff

[@chriskinghorn3181]

What a match! Please show the whole thing!

[@fourcandles9413]

No Sorry

[@CARPital]

At 4:09 starts the most amazing leg of darts you will ever see in your life. I can't speak, i can't speak.

[@ashleebaker5041]

This deserves more views I don’t even watch darts and this match was incredible

[@-_Blitz_-]

That so literally the most perfect leg of darts two players can have. How is this even possible 😂

[@jamiegormer1010]

Smiths game is all about rhythm,he couldn't of hoped for a better appointment for his game than mvg ,.who is also a fast player , When the game of darts is played quick fire like these two play ,,I don't think there's a sport as exciting as this

[@AnitapooASAP]

spot on

[@Tayrobbins1]

24:34 2nd best part of this whole final, the commentary after the 180 is spine shivering