New world darts champion Michael Smith tees up St Helens trophy team photo
Darts ace Michael Smith wants to celebrate his World Darts Championship success by having a trophy team photo with his beloved rugby league club, St Helens.
The St Helens-born man followed up his Grand Slam of Darts win in November with an impressive first-ever Championship title win over three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen on Monday night.
Smith is a lifelong Saints supporter. He wants to celebrate his win by bringing his trophies to the Totally Wicked Stadium for a team photo with the St Helens team, who have won the Super League title four times in a row.
Smith tweeted: “One thing I really want to do and would love to do is stand on the halfway line with the boys with the League Leaders (Shield) and Grand Final trophy on their side and the GSOD (Grand Slam of Darts) and World Champs on mine with that mighty Red V in the background @Saints1890.”
To which St Helens replied: “We will make that happen!”
Boxer Anthony Fowler also tweeted: “It’s gotta happen!”
One thing I really want to do and would love to do. Is stand on the half way line with the boys with the league leaders and grand final trophy on there side and the gsod and world champs on mine with that mighty red V in background @Saints1890
— Michael Smith (@Michael180Smith) January 4, 2023
Michael Smith on becoming world champion
Smith’s cousin Paige Travis plays for St Helens’ women’s team. He couldn’t put into words what becoming a world championship meant to him.
Smith said: “I don’t think I can describe it.
“I have finally done it. All that heartache I have been through; and finally I have been able to lift the trophy and put the star on the shirt that I know I have worked hard for.
“It wasn’t just for the World Championship tonight, it was for the world number one so it is special.”
More St Helens content
Revisiting Love Rugby League’s predictions for 2022 Super League predictions
The 10 oldest players in Super League in 2023
2023 rugby league kits including every Super League club
FOLLOW: Keep up with all the latest on the Love Rugby League mobile app and podcast