Michael Smith has become the third different winner in the 2023 Premier League with victory in Week Three in Glasgow.
At the same time that Chris Dobey and Gerwyn Price have won each of the opening two competitions, Smith has made just one semi-final.
However, the reigning world champion got things right in Scotland as he defeated Price, Jonny Clayton and Dimitri van den Bergh.
The world number one warmed into the tournament, only averaging 91.19 in his opening fixture with Price, but it was enough to secure a 6-3 win.
Smith improved considerably in the semi-final with Clayton, withstanding his opponent being perfect on his doubles during the early stages to eventually prevail in a last-leg decider, averaging 101.9 in the process.
SMITH'S GLASGOW GLORY! 🏴
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 16, 2023
Michael Smith wins Night Three here in Glasgow!
The World Champion produces a stunning display to topple Dimitri Van den Bergh in a thrilling final, averaging 109 to seal the deal!#PLDarts | 📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 pic.twitter.com/kn5lDvSvK0
The best display was saved until last as Smith posted a 109.42 average, responding to a strong showing from Van den Bergh to capture the Glasgow crown with a 6-4 win.
Having been one of the more controversial wildcard picks, Van den Bergh required better showings than just one win from the opening two weeks, and he delivered to finish as runner-up.
Although he averaged four points fewer than Peter Wright in the last eight, the Belgian still emerged victorious by a 6-4 scoreline, and a sensational 105.73 was posted to overcome Nathan Aspinall for the loss of just one leg in the semis.
Dobey and Michael van Gerwen begun the night occupying the top two spots, but the former lost 6-1 to Clayton after Van Gerwen had been edged out in a last-leg decider by Aspinall.
While Smith and Aspinall are level on seven points in the first two positions, Smith holds the marginal advantage due to leg difference and having won one event.
Darren Plant
