‘It will take something special to beat me’ - Michael Smith storms into last 32 of World Darts Championship

Michael Smith put a consoling arm around vanquished rival Nathan Rafferty at the end of their Cazoo World Darts Championship second round showdown at the Alexandra Palace, London, on Friday night as if to say: “I know how you feel, lad, I’ve been there myself in the past.”

The 32-year-old St Helens master of the oche, who until a few weeks ago was still searching for his first major TV title since joining the pro ranks more than a decade ago, will have known how the 22-year-old up-and-coming Northern Irishman felt after being thumped 3-0 on the night and losing nine consecutive legs.

Smith, beaten by Peter Wright in last year’s final, is among the title favourites again this year and was too good for his young opponent, averaging 96.62 and landing three 180s to ease into the third round.

Bully Boy said: “Nathan struggled on the oche and I took full advantage of that. I’m playing well at the moment. Everyone knows that and I feel it is going to take something special to beat me.”