Stunning nine-darter gave Michael Smith belief he could win World Championship

CHAMPION: Michael Smith won his first World Championship title. Pic: Zac Goodwin/PA

Michael Smith said his stunning nine-dart finish in the World Championship final gave him belief he could beat Michael van Gerwen and claim a first title.

The 32-year-old, a two-time runner-up including a painful defeat to Peter Wright 12 months ago, hit darting perfection in the second set and continued to produce some mesmeric scoring as he won one of the greatest finals ever 7-4.