TOP OF THE WORLD Moment World Darts Champion Michael Smith brilliantly recreates iconic Lionel Messi World Cup bed pic with PDC trophy
MICHAEL SMITH has finally achieved his dream of becoming the PDC World Darts Champion.
Posted Thursday, January 05, 2023 by Thesun.co.uk
And after achieving his lifelong dream, the new champ paid a superb tribute to another man who recently achieved their own global destiny - a certain Lionel Messi.
Smith won his first world title by beating van Gerwen in an incredible final Credit: EPA
Smith prevailed 7-4 over Michael van Gerwen at Ally Pally in what's been widely regarded as one of the greatest finals ever.
Having lost his previous two final appearances, Bully Boy finally banished those past demons to ascend to the very top of his sport, becoming world No1 in the process.
He did it in some style too, landing an utterly remarkable nine-darter in the second set, just moments after MVG had missed a dart to secure that same feat.
After the Dutchman threatened - and executed - a comeback as the match went on, Smith regained his composure to get the win he's craved for so many years.
The 32-year old couldn't hold back his tears as he leapt around the stage before making an instant beeline towards his family, who were just as emotional.
It seems the celebrations went long into the night, too, with Smith still tweeting into the early hours of the morning after.
Smith delighted fans with the fact he was still tweeting at 5.14am, before disappearing for a couple of hours, and popping up again.
Smith was back in his hotel room by 3.37am, and he was teasing fans about how heavy the 25kg Sid Waddell Trophy was to carry.
And while back in his hotel room, the champ hilariously recreated one of the most famous photos from Argentina's World Cup celebrations at the end of last year.
Like Smith, Messi had endured a long wait to reach the top of the world stage - and he paid an amusing homage to the Argentine legend's now iconic bed picture.
Messi wouldn't let the World Cup trophy out of his sight Credit: AFP
Smith brilliantly recreated the Messi picture Credit: TAYLOR LANNING/PDC
Smith is the PDC world champion for the first time Credit: TAYLOR LANNING/PDC
Bully Boy delighted fans with his late-night Twitter antics after his triumph Credit: TAYLOR LANNING/PDC
Messi wouldn't let the World Cup trophy out of his sight after his nation's triumph over France in Qatar, hilariously being pictured asleep in his bed alongside the famous piece of silverware after a triumphant return to Buenos Aires.
Echoing these pictures, Smith - just like Messi - looked in no mood to let go of his new prized possession.
In exclusive pictures for SunSport, he can be seen recreating the images, lying in his hotel room bed cradling the gigantic piece of silverware.
There's also a kiss goodnight for the trophy that's been won by many of the greatest names in darts in years gone by.
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