Overview
- Smith defeated Nathan Aspinall 5-3 at the Grand Slam of Darts in his first TV tournament since March.
- He became tearful during a Viaplay interview and was withheld from the standard winners’ press conference for his well-being.
- Aspinall missed 20 darts at double, a factor Smith acknowledged kept him in the match.
- The comeback follows arthritis in Smith’s throwing hand and shoulder and foot problems that dropped him outside the top 16 and cost him places at major events after 19 Pro Tour first-round exits.
- Smith next plays Luke Humphries before Alex Spellman in group play, with the top two advancing, as Aspinall suggests he can rise back up the rankings.