Michael Smith gave an insight into when he will walk away from darts after beating Gary Anderson in the World Matchplay last night.
‘The Bully Boy’ survived darts to go 4-0 down to the Scotsman before rallying after the break to blow Anderson away 10-5 with a ton plus average.
Smith has never lifted the World Matchplay and is looking for his first TV ranking title after switching darts – a move heavily scrutinised.
Despite being 33-years-old, the St Helens superstar has been in the PDC for nearly two decades and is was one of the most tenured players on tour.
Speaking to Darts Now after his victory, he revealed when he plans to retire from the sport.
Michael Smith committed to darts despite longevity
Pundits Matt Edgar and Chris Mason have suggested Luke Littler could retire before 30 given the success and money he’s expected to have.
Smith alleviated fears he may hang up the darts early and revealed he’s committed to the sport for the long haul.
He said: “Next year will be my 17th year, I want to give at least 30 years to the PDC so I’ve got at least another 13 and then you can ask me that question in 2037.
“I’ve dedicated my life to it, I’m not just gonna quit now and give up and say, ‘yeah I’m gonna retire in two years, three years.’”
‘Bully Boy’ could go down one as of the best ever
There’s a lot of debate of who makes up darts’ all-time greats, but Smith could force his way into that elite group when the curtain comes down on his career.
He has already captured the Grand Slam of Darts and the World Championship and has reigned supreme as World Number One.
Smith has often been touted as one of the naturally gifted players to throw tungsten and it’s hard to imagine his throw breaking down as he ages.
If the hunger and desire remain, the newly-crowned World Cup Champion could leave the sport with a catalogue of majors to his name, including a handful of World Championships.