Smith, now taking a spectator’s seat for the championships to watch his son Ky compete, took a chance to reflect on his tournament.
The Australian darts number one male joined an all-star cast at Moama Bowling Club for the first Open since 2019, including World Darts Federation number one Neil Duff, whom he defeated in the semi-final.
Smith saved his best darts for last in a victorious final over New Zealand’s Haupai Puha over the weekend, the first event of its kind in three years.
But despite an impressive showing in front of the board, he said he feels he didn’t produce his best.
“I didn’t play my best but I ground out a lot of hard darts,” Smith said. “A lot of times I was behind, but I just stuck it out.
“I was probably a bit nervous, it was my first time back in this environment with Darts Australia.
“I caught up with a lot of people I hadn’t seen in years, because I’ve been out of the scene for five years — or out of the Darts Australia scene at least.”
In a strange twist, Smith was drawn to play his son in the group stages, an experience he said was a double-edged sword.
“I’m coming towards the end of my career, his is starting to pick up,” Smith said.
“There’s times I feel like I’m standing in the way, but at the same time if he starts beating me then he’s going to be a far better player for it.
“It’s one of those things; I’ve been lucky, I got to play darts around the world and meet some great people along the way.”
Smith’s triumph came in front of a large crowd, and Darts Australia president Kelvin James confirmed the event had expanded on its return.
“For the sport itself, it’s really important that we revitalise and start rebuilding after three years shut down,” James said.
“For a lot of these players, psychologically it’s good for them to be back socialising and play the game that they love.
“The Open grew this year from 2019, and we have a fantastic partner in Murray River Council and both Moama Bowling Club and Rich River Golf Club.”
The Australian Darts Championships continue at Rich River Golf Club, with the doubles and mixed doubles getting under way today.
Thursday and Friday is the beginning of the team events, while the men and ladies singles get under way on Saturday, August 13 from 9am.