"All the pressure is on them three" - Michael Smith enjoying role of underdog in Premier League Darts playoffs

The fourth and final man to book his place in the 2024 Premier League Darts playoffs, Michael Smith will face table topper Luke Littler in the semi-finals later tonight. If he can get through that, either Michael van Gerwen or Luke Humphries awaits in the final.

Having twice before made it to the playoffs, last year and in 2028 when he was a losing finalist, Smith is hopeful of finally adding the Premier League Darts title to his trophy cabinet this time around. "If you look at the World Championship it was third-time lucky for myself, so hopefully it's the same in the Premier League," previews an optimistic BullyBoy. "I just want to get going now. It's been a hard 16 weeks, and now it all comes down to this one night. What's happened before doesn't mean anything. If I can bring my A-game, all three players know they've got a tough game to play."

With all four semifinalist regarded as of quite similar level, the fact Smith only managed to secure a spot in the playoffs on the last day of play arguably sees the Englishman start as the underdog of the group. "It doesn't bother me whatsoever. All the pressure is on them three, then I can just relax and chill out," Smith says with a smile. "I've played countless tournaments where I'm the underdog or whatever and I just get on with my job and that's the end of it. The bookies can have me down as whatever they want, but it's up to me how I perform."

In fact, against Luke Littler, Smith has had the advantage more often than not since the 17-year-old sensation burst onto the darting scene at the end of 2023. "I just keep dragging down to my level," Smith laughs. "Keep bringing it down to 90 averages and then I kick on in the last three or four legs to put it up over 100. Everyone's listening to the hype, you've just got to put it to the back of your mind."

After losing his World Darts Championship title recently, Smith also has extra motivation. "Turning up to the Premier League and hearing John McDonald announce me as the former World Champion - it was annoying," admitted the 33-year-old. "Now I've got to listen to Luke [Humphries] get my introduction from last year. That has given me the kick up the backside I needed, and it's got me back on track. The last 18 months have been difficult and that's partly down to me. You're never too old to learn and I am learning again, but it feels like I'm going in the right direction now."