Michael Smith has revealed he did not sleep after winning the World Darts Championship, as he returned to his mum's bar to celebrate. Smith wrote himself into the history books as he defeated Michael van Gerwen 7-4 in Tuesday's final.
The clash has been dubbed one of the greatest in the sport's history, with champion Smith landing a nine-dart finish in the same leg that van Gerwen was just one dart away from the same feat. His victory was an overdue one, having already lost two world finals.
Unsurprisingly 'Bully Boy' enjoyed his celebrations afterwards, so much so that the Englishman went on to pull an all-nighter, telling Mirror Sport: "I could not believe I had become the world champion, the world’s number one."
One place that has been integral to Smith's success is his mum Sandra's club in his hometown of St Helens. The world champion revealed the venue is where he trains everyday, and is place close to his heart.
As a result, Smith made a fairytale return home in the wake of his victory. He said: "I practice here every day if I’m not travelling. I do the school run - my kids still go to school around here.
"I get in here about 11am and finish about quarter to three, pick the kids back up from school and then go home. The bar does not open until 7pm so I get lots of peace and quiet.”
Discussing the attention he has received since making the trip home, Smith went on: "People have asked if they can come in and get a photo with the trophy but they will not treat me any differently.
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"We are all friends and they have enjoyed it as much as anyone, they have watched me playing for all these years. You have got to keep level-headed and you have got to keep your feet on the ground.
"I have got to become the world champion by doing it this way this and I will not change. I will just stick to what I know best. I will still come in here to practice.”
