‘Can’t stand him’ – Michael Smith faced Luke Littler and Phil Taylor but has surprise toughest opponent pick

Former PDC World Darts Championship winner Michael Smith has picked Mensur Suljovic as his toughest opponent.

The Englishman has faced some of the biggest names in darts including Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor and Luke Littler across his career, although Suljovic’s manner during matches grinds his gears.

Getty

In an interview with Shot Darts, Smith didn’t hold back in his assessment of Suljovic.

He was asked who is the worst opponent he’s faced, and he said: “Mensur Suljovic, Players Championship. Even the crowd got on his back because he was booed so much with how slow he was being.

“He knows what he is doing. He is doing it on purpose. But I love Mensur as a guy, can’t stand him as a player.”

Suljovic is known for his unique throwing style and deliberate action and Smith isn’t alone in not enjoying facing him.

In the most recent edition of the PDC World Darts Championship, Joe Cullen accused the Austrian of cheating.

After defeat to him, he said: “If that’s darts, I don’t want no part of it.

“Always liked Mensur away from the board but that was plain for all to see!

“I don’t think I’m alone in feeling this way. The old guard will say it’s part of the game but word it how you will — it’s CHEATING!

“That’s not darts.”

In response, Suljovic said: “I never ever do this as a provocation. I do it only for my game. Sorry Joe, I never do this – love you man.”

X formerly Twitter / @OfficialPDC

Historic

Of course, one moment that Smith will always be remembered is that famous leg of darts against Michael van Gerwen.

The pair both landed two consecutive 180s to leave them both on nine-dart finishes, which are the ultimate achievement for a darts player.

This is because they are the fewest amount of darts you can win a leg with.

Van Gerwen went first and missed the crucial dart at double 12.

This gave Smith his chance, and he landed D12 to send the crowd wild.

Littler and Josh Rock produced a similar scintillating spell of darts during the World Matchplay, but Smith still feels his tops it.

AFP

He said: “The world final. The other debate with the Luke [Littler] and Josh [Rock] one. I’ve been involved in that leg so many times.

“The back-to-back 180s and then someone hitting it without you having a go.

“But for Michael [van Gerwen] to miss the D12 and then me hold my drink moment. Show him how to do it will never be topped.”