Result: Michael Smith 7-4 Michael van Gerwen
Smith won first world title and becomes world number one for first time
Smith hit nine-dart finish in second set, after Van Gerwen had missed his own attempt for a perfect leg
Michael Smith 0-1 Michael van Gerwen (2-1)
Image source, Getty Images180 by van Gerwen, 180 by Smith, 177 by van Gerwen, 180 by Smith! Insane!
MvG with two 60s, misses double 12!
Smith treble 20, treble 19... double 12!!!
WOW!
Michael Smith 0-1 Michael van Gerwen (1-1)
Smith throws yet another 180 - his fourth of the match - but when it comes to the finishes, he's not on top form quite yet.
A nice 87 checkout here though as he throws an 11-darter to level the legs.
Michael Smith 0-1 Michael van Gerwen (0-1)
There can't be too many sets where MvG has a 30% doubles conversion rate, let alone ones where he wins. Is that a sign that it will be his night?
Second set under way, Smith opening with a 180.
However he can't convert 131 for a break of throw, and Van Gerwen makes him pay.
Michael Smith 0-1 Michael van Gerwen
Van Gerwen with an average of 99.36 in that first set.
Smith's was 97.64, which against most players would be too good. But not Van Gerwen.
#bbcdarts
Image source, Getty ImagesMayhem: Unless MVG doesn't turn up I can't see him losing, prediction 7-3.
Darren S: Can't see past MVG, sadly feel this could be a demolition. 7-2 or better to MVG.
Michael Smith 0-1 Michael van Gerwen
The Ally Pally crowd are vocally behind Smith, and Van Gerwen looked a little shaken in that second leg. He set himself up well but then took nine darts to convert the finish. Fortunately for him, his lead was too large by that point.
Van Gerwen checks out with 84 to take the first set against the head.
Michael Smith 0-0 Michael van Gerwen (1-2)
Both men throw 180s to start the third leg of set one. Already four for the match.
But Van Gerwen then gets the break, he's throwing for the first set now.
Michael Smith 0-0 Michael van Gerwen (1-1)
Smith gets his first 180 of the match with his first visit of the second leg.
MvG then misses three darts at double 10 to set up an early break for Smith, and then a double five... then a double one!
He then takes three throws at double one before finally hitting it.
Michael Smith 0-0 Michael van Gerwen (1-0)
And already we have our first 180 of the match, Van Gerwen throwing it on his second visit to the oche.
Smith however has started well too, and checks out in the first leg with double top.
Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
No surprise that the atmosphere at Alexandra Palace is rowdy and excited.
Plenty of Santa hats, and lots of fancy dress. I saw a group of five Buzz Lightyears earlier.
Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
Image source, Getty ImagesThe two finalists are being introduced and walking to the oche.
Smith is first, to the familiar beats of "Shut Up and Dance", which is a certified banger.
Then the lights go green, which is the sign Van Gerwen is arriving. He walks through the crowd to "Seven Nation Army".
Quality walk-on music, hopefully followed by quality darts.
Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
Earlier (20:14) I asked for you to pick your winner tonight - thumbs up Smith, thumbs down Van Gerwen.
Plenty of you responded - and can still do so below - and it looks like the man from St Helens is narrowly your favourite.
Image source, BBC SportMichael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
This is what they're playing for - the Sid Waddell Trophy, named in honour of the former commentator who passed away in 2012.
Image source, Rex FeaturesMichael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
Quote MessageIt's the World Championship, this is the one every little darts player dreams of. This is Michael Smith's third opportunity and he says he's going to be patient, but I don't know. I think he wants it now. Even if MvG is performing better than he is, he still knows he can find a way to win and he'd like to get that done now.
John Part, Three-time world champion on Sky Sports
#bbcdarts
Luke Rundle: Comfortably sat and refreshments ready, now just to watch (hopefully) 13 sets of top level darts between the two best players fighting for the World Championship and world number one. Heart says Smith, head says MVG.
William Keeling Heane: I want Smith to win but I think MVG will outclass Smith in this one.
Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
As well as being a hotbed for darts, St Helens is a huge rugby league town.
England internationals Joe Batchelor and James Roby, two members of the Saints' team that has won four successive Super League titles, have thrown their support behind "Bully Boy" tonight...
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Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
One thing we expect to see happen this evening is the new record for number of 180s scored at a PDC World Championship.
Only 17 maximums are needed to break the previous record of 880. For two such high-quality players in a best-of-13 match, that should be no trouble.
Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
So, about 15 minutes until the players arrive on the Ally Pally stage. Let's have a quick poll.
Thumbs up for Smith, thumbs down for Van Gerwen. Who are you backing?
Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
Smith on Van Gerwen: "Michael's the odds-on favourite, he's played really well, but everyone can have a bad game.
"I've not been the best apart from when I played Joe Cullen [in the last 16], but I've stepped up when I've needed to. Hopefully I can step up again."
Van Gerwen on Smith: "I'm playing out of my skin at the moment. It costs so much energy but I'm able to do it. With the crowd behind me again, it feels phenomenal.
"He's not going to stop me, no-one is going to stop me.
"The crowd deserves a final like this. Myself against Michael Smith in the final - I think it's good for darts."
Both men were speaking to Sky Sports.
Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen
After his semi-final victory over Gabriel Clemens yesterday, Michael Smith joked that he would prepare for tonight's final by staying in bed and watching a few episodes of Catchphrase.
It was good, but it's not right - he went wild in the aisles instead...
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