It's one of sport's greatest clichés but on the biggest stage, the true legends of the sport prove their greatness. We saw it in the World Cup final in December 2022. And we saw it in the World Darts Championship final this day last year as Michael Smith and Micheal Van Gerwen exchanged what has been described as the greatest leg in darts history. And thankfully, Wayne Mardle delivered commentary worthy of the moment
It happened early doors, with the match poised at one leg apiece. Both players were on the precipice of 9-darters in the same set. MVG was up first and found himself just a single dart away. Only he missed on T12, the last dart. Smith's reply? He outdid his rival. The roof of the Ally Pally literally lifted and left Wayne Mardle in the Sky Sports commentary box on the verge of rupturing a few vocal chords.
Wayne Mardle checks out
It was instantly recognised as one of the most intense moments in the history of darts.
THE BEST LEG OF ALL TIME! 🤯🔥
MICHAEL VAN GERWEN MISSES D12 FOR A NINE-DARTER, AND THEN SMITH PINS A PERFECT LEG HIMSELF!
ONE OF THE GREATEST THINGS YOU'LL EVER SEE IN SPORT. pic.twitter.com/WyKWFcxq5V— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) January 3, 2023
Sky were nice enough to provide footage of that commentary box as the roof lifted. Pandemonium.
"I CAN'T SPEAK! I CAN'T SPEAK!" 😳
THAT reaction for the COMMENTARY BOX!! 😂 pic.twitter.com/OSderR7axb— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 3, 2023
Mardle and his voice were so overcome that he couldn't finish his commentary duties. He was replaced by John Part.
I literally can’t spake!!!!!!!! What a final! Enjoy. @SkySportsDarts MVG V SMITH.
— Wayne Mardle (@Wayne501Mardle) January 3, 2023
There was no way back for MVG after this and Smith would win his first world title 7-4.
Afterwards, a relieved Smith said he was ready to take over the sport.
"I want to TAKEOVER this sport..." 🤩
Michael Smith REACTS to winning the World Darts Championship final! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/kqjiPN7uzb— Sky Sports Darts (@SkySportsDarts) January 3, 2023
On the 9-darter, Smith said:
I said backstage, what a leg that was! I was missing in practice, but what I wanted to give this crowd what they deserve."
"When I got the Grand Slam, I said I would eventually be world champion. I want to do what this man [van Gerwen] has, and take over this sport."
It was not Van Gerwen's finest round of darts but he was humble in defeat.
"I think he played really well. Of course I had my chances. But if you don't hit him, he throws everything at you. I thought he played brilliantly all the way through."
"It's part of the job, when we celebrate it's nice, when we lose it's hard. I have to take it on my chin."
There was great camaraderie shown by the two players the final as MVG told Smith he was too modest after his incredible achievement.
"This man doesn't do himself justice, he played brilliantly."
Sadly for both of the men responsible for last year's iconic final leg, neither Smith nor van Gerwen could even progress to the last four of this year's championships.
SEE ALSO: Scott Williams Learned His Lesson With The Media Judging By Response To MVG Win
