Smith ready for play-off fight: ‘I’m sick of being second or third best’

Michael Smith has had a brilliant return to the Premier League after his pick was criticised by fans alongside the inclusion of Simon Whitlock.

He has silenced his critics though both in the Premier League, Pro and European Tour by putting in classy performances. Smith spoke to Sky Sports about his memories of the O2 and his will to be better than second best.
"It's actually going to be my second time playing at The O2 because I've played there at the Youth Worlds and that was the year when Van Gerwen won his first Premier League title against Phil Taylor," Smith told Sky Sports.
"The experience was loud and it was even better when I sat backstage and saw Michael checkout 132 on the bull to beat Taylor for his first Premier League title. I was sat there watching it and now I could be there winning it, so we'll see what happens."
"I've had to learn from my mistakes because if I hadn't had come back in and produced the goods then I wouldn't have been in this event again," admitted Smith.
"I'm sick of being second or third best - I want to be the best in the business, and that's what I'm striving for, to be the best player in the world.
"I won't be happy coming second. Eric Bristow said 'If you come second, don't bother talking to me'. No one ever remembers the person who finishes second, they only remember the winner.
"I'm getting fed up of that now over the years of getting the last 16, or the last eight, or whatever. I want to be doing what Michael van Gerwen is doing and that's winning tournaments and doing what he does.
"I'd like to learn from Van Gerwen's winning ways and his winning mentality. He does have a perfect brain for this game, a perfect mentality as well, and that's what I'm trying to develop now."

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