World champion Michael Smith is planning to become a property mogul as he looks to build on his stunning success in darts.
Bully Boy memorably captured the Ally Pally title for the first time at the start of the year with a thrilling victory over Michael van Gerwen, which featured the greatest leg in the history of darts.
Smith collected £500,000 for that triumph alone and has enjoyed a solid year since, picking up wins on European Tour, Pro Tour and in the World Series of Darts. He is now preparing for the second biggest major of the year, the World Matchplay in Blackpool, which begins this weekend.
But the St Helens thrower is planning for life after darts as well, having recently signed a lucrative new deal with a darts company, with the new equipment that bears his name said to be flying off the shelves.
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“I was in Holland doing the launch and they sold out everything that day and had to re-order double the amount,” Smith told the Darts Show Podcast in the build-up to the Matchplay.
He said the extra revenue stream will be put towards a new business venture in property.
“The royalties I get from this, I’m just going to set aside and start trying to build a different portfolio than darts,” he said.
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“I’m going to try and get into housing now and with the royalties I get from this, I’m can buy two or three at the minute.”
Smith begins his Matchplay campaign against veteran Steve Beaton on Sunday evening.
“It’s an iconic venue. The crowd are right on top of you. It’s special for us as players,” said Smith, a runner-up to Rob Cross in 2019.
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“I’m feeling confident. I’m feeling good. I’ve had a few disappointments in this tournament, especially losing the final to Rob.
“This year feels different though. I’m going in as the world number one, and I’ve got to prove why I’m in that position. I’m feeling comfortable and I’ve got to continue that winning run this year, hopefully starting with the World Matchplay.”
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