Darter Michael van Gerwen has lost the final of the US Masters in New York. The 33-year-old from Brabant had to lose 8-4 against the Englishman Michael Smith in the Hulu theater of Madison Square Garden. The US Masters was the first tournament of the so-called World Series of Darts this season. The event was first staged at Madison Square Garden, New York’s major event venue.
Van Gerwen reached the final with victories over Jules van Dongen (6-4), Englishman James Wade (8-3) and Gerwyn Price from Wales (8-4). Smith defeated the Scots Gary Anderson and Peter Wright, among others. He lost to Wright at the beginning of this year in the final of the World Cup.
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“Of course I wanted to win here, but Michael played very well,” said Van Gerwen, who will soon undergo surgery on his right wrist to help him get rid of a tingling feeling in that arm. “Then you should take off your hat and congratulate him. It was very special to be here. Darts in particular have won. We have taken a big step here in the United States in the professionalization of darts and in the development of darts as a global sport.”
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Smith (31) called it “unreal” to win a tournament in Madison Square Garden. “Everyone wanted to win this event, it’s crazy that I did. I was the first darts player to win a tournament in one of the most iconic locations in the world. I am in ecstasy.” He earned 20,000 pounds, converted more than 23,000 euros.
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