PDC World Championship: Maturing Michael Smith calmer at the oche, he believes
Fatherhood has changed him
Monday 29 December 2014 18:01, UK
Michael Smith has credited a calmer attitude for his comeback victory over Brendan Dolan at the World Championship at Alexandra Palace.
‘Bully Boy’ lost the first two sets to Dolan on Monday afternoon but reeled off four consecutive sets to take a come-from-behind win.
Smith has been associated with a boisterous, rowdy presence at the oche before but he feels fatherhood has matured him and benefited his darts.
“I’m a different player now, I’ve shown that in my last two games but I’ve got to show it for the rest of my career,” Smith said.
“There’s no point showing that at the World Championship then showing up to the next tournament and acting like a kid again.
“The World Championship has brought out the emotional side of me when I give it large but also the calm side of me when I’m under pressure. I was acting like a spoilt kid and I knew it was ruining my chances.
“If I keep quiet and keep calm – like I’ve done in my past two games – I’m satisfied with my performances. I’ll give it large at the right times but also stay calm at the right times.
“I can’t afford to act like a kid again because I’m not working for myself anymore – I’m working for [my son], for his college fund, whatever he wants to do. So I’ve got to put the hours in.”
Family
Smith believes an honest discussion with himself after losing two sets to Dolan enabled him to return to the oche with a positive mindset.
He said: “I stabbed myself a few times with my darts in the leg! I told myself I needed to start winning. I thought about my family.
“It was all about getting that first set on the board. When I lost the first one 3-0 I said to myself ‘alright’. I lost the second and I said to myself ‘I can’t lose the third’.
“When it was 2-2 I knew if I won the set he’d be thinking about me.”
James Wade or Stephen Bunting await in the next round but Smith enjoys his underdog status.
“I’m not scared of playing them, they’re scared of playing me. I’m expected to lose, I should have lost already according to the seedings. I was just having fun, I’ll do that again, and if I win then I win.”
