MADISON SQUARE GUBBIN
Scots sent flying as Raging Bully storms to US win
The Scots pair had their hopes of success over in the States battered into submission in New York’s famed boxing venue.
Wright and Anderson were left black and blue as Smith floored them both on his way to winning the first US Darts Masters title by also sinking big-hitting Michael van Gerwen in the showpiece.
The champ said: “I’ve won tournaments before but it’s unreal to win at Madison Square Garden.
“Everyone wanted to win this event and it’s unreal for me to be that person.
“I’ve won a tournament in the most iconic venue in the world and I’m the first person to do it. I’m ecstatic.
“I wasn’t playing my best darts but I put in a decent second half in the Final. I did that earlier against Peter too and long may it continue.”
Smith scooped the title after opening with victory over Doug Boehm and ran riot in the quarters with an 8-3 defeat of Anderson.
He then landed eight 180s in an 8-6 semi-final win over world champion Wright before coming from 3-1 and 4-3 down in the showpiece to win five straight legs and claim the crown.
Smith lost in the finals of the World Championship and UK Open earlier this year but won the last regular Premier League night and a European Tour title in the nine days before his New York success.
He added: “I’m playing well and picking up titles.
“It’s unreal the way things have swung in my favour.
“Since I won the last night of the Premier League, my confidence has grown.
“I wasn’t chasing results, I was chasing wins. Now that I’m making finals each week and winning them – and the way I’m winning them – it is massive for my confidence and self-belief.”
Van Gerwen beat Jules van Dongen, James Wade and Gerwyn Price to get to the final face-off and said: “I wanted to win but Michael played a really good game.
“You have to take your hat off and say congratulations.
“This is special. I can say I didn’t win, Michael didn’t win – I think darts won, especially here in America.
“This is a massive step forward for the professionalisation of darts in general and the global sport of darts.”
Price made the semis with an 8-7 win over Jonny Clayton, while Wright beat Leonard Gates 8-3 in the quarters to end American hopes.