THE people of St Helens will be cheering on local lad Michael Smith as he faces Peter Wright in the PDC Darts World Championship final tonight at the Alexandra Palace.

Smith, nicknamed Bully Boy, is aiming to win his first world darts final after recording a 6-3 win over James Wade in the semi-final last night.

His opponent Wright defeated Gary Anderson 6-4.

Smith was beaten in the final in 2019 by Michael van Gerwen. Wright has one title to his name after being victorious in 2020.

Smith is a 31-year-old father-of-two boys from Clock Face.

He is a former St Cuthberts secondary school pupil who took up darts as a teenager after injuring his hip playing rugby.

There has been huge backing for Smith across St Helens, with supporters set to be glued to TV screens in living rooms and pubs tonight to watch the action unfold.

Messages of support for him have poured into the Star's social media pages.

Live coverage of the final begins on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena from 8pm.

How to watch or listen

TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event or Sky Sports Action

Radio: talkSPORT

Live stream: Sky Go/NOW TV

We'll have full coverage and reaction following the final at sthelensstar.co.uk