Darts: England duo Michael Smith and James Wade beaten by unfancied Australian pair in World Cup

Michael Smith is still seeking his first major TV title after suffering semi-final heartbreak in the World Cup of Darts in Germany at the weekend.

It was a case of so near so far for the 31-year-old St Helens ace who, along with England partner James Wade, lost 2-0 to Australia’s unfancied representatives, Simon Whitlock and Demon Heta.

Smith, who had been in a rich vein of form in the build up to the World Cup, looked as though he’d give the top seeds a comfortable start but he bust 72 when looking to seal a 4-1 victory and Heta made him pay by reeling off the next three legs to put the Aussies in the driving seat.

World Cup-ever present Whitlock ruthlessly finished the job by averaging 103 and pinning four of his six attempts at a double to whitewash a below-par Wade 4-0 to steer the Aussies to the the final where they defeated Welsh pair, Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton.

Victory in Germany

Smith had warmed up for the World Cup of Darts with his third consecutive Pro Tour title in a remarkable Players’ Championship 16 final against Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode in Germany.

“Whenever I need to pull a rabbit out of the hat, I’m able to produce something special,” said Bully Boy.

Smith set the tone by winning the opening leg in 11 darts, before repeating that feat later in the match to move 3-2 ahead.

Van Duijvenbode responded and looked poised to lead 5-3 but world no.4 Smith powered forward with a 110 finish in the 10th leg and a 12 darter in the last to seal the deal.

Since Players’ Championship 14 back in May, the local lad has lost just five matches and won six events, including the US Darts Masters.