What Michael Smith said to Barry Hearn after being beaten by Michael van Gerwen revealed

Smith, 28, fell to a 7-3 defeat to Michael van Gerwen at the Alexandra Palace on New Year’s Day.

Smith, who is getting married on Saturday, takes home a £200,000 runners-up cheque while MVG has bagged £500,000.

Despite being beaten, St Helens thrower Smith found time for a light-hearted chat with Hearn after the final.

“Michael Smith missed a few chances but he will go home a better player for it,” Hearn told Sky Sports.

“He goes home sick but he’s getting married Saturday, he’ll have a lovely day and £200,000 is a nice wedding present – but he wants the £500,000.

“He said to me as he left the stage ‘Maybe I won’t win it until you make it a million’. He’s thinking the right things.”

Smith was made to pay for a slow start as he slumped 4-0 behind to the Dutchman.

He mounted a late comeback and got it back to 5-3 but MVG refound his form to take the third world title of his career.