05 January 2023 , 15:54
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New World Darts champion Michael Smith has asked the police if he can have some of the money he has paid in speeding fines back after his brilliant win over Michael van Gerwen to claim a maiden world title.
Smith beat the three-time world champion 7-4 in a stunning final and has been widely heralded for his success, most notably in his native St Helens. 'Bully Boy' has been congratulated by his beloved rugby league club St Helens and returned home to see "Congratulations Bully Boy World Darts Champion" displayed on a road sign by the local council.
Even the local police congratulated Smith on his success, tweeting: "Congratulations to St Helens' own @Michael180Smith on his @OfficialPDC Championship! Well done Bully Boy!"
To which Smith jokingly replied: "Can I have some of the money for my speeding fines back please I was doing 34 in a 30. Thank you"
"Think the money you received for winning should just about cover your fine," joked one fan in response. "@BullyBoy180- regularly seen doing 180… you need a good lawyer mate," wrote another.
Gerwyn Price left red-faced after wearing ear defenders to block fans out
Speaking after his victory over Van Gerwen, Smith outlined his plans to "take over the sport" like the man he had just beaten had done. "My two best achievements are sat over there, my two kids," Smith told Sky Sports.
"As a sporting memory it's the greatest ever, and I don't think that will ever be topped. Even if I win a second, it will never top the way I've just felt then.
"Michael let me off there and I finally took a chance I didn't deserve but I still got that chance. I told you when I got the Grand Slam, I will be a world champion and I want to do what this man [Van Gerwen] has done, I want to take over the sport but he is still here.
"It is 1-1 now in the Worlds and I took my chances, but he knows and I do, it is not going to be the last one here where we play each other. I have said it for years, he is the best player in darts and we have got to take our chances and I finally took it."