"But the minute I relax and chill out, I think you'll see what I was doing in 2023" - Michael Smith hoping Premier League can bring about return to top form
PDC
Tonight in Cardiff, the 2024 Premier League Darts gets underway. Michael Smith will meet seven-time overall winner Michael van Gerwen in the quarterfinals.
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For Smith, it is already his seventh participation in the Premier League. "It's mad when you considered I'm only 33 and I'm one of the oldest ones here," laughed the former World Champion in conversation with the PDC. "Apart from the Worlds, it's the second biggest tournament and it's something special. I'm just looking forward to getting going now."
Smith became world champion for the first time in early 2023, but has not managed to win another major since, with his Ally Pally defence ending in the last 16. "Now I've got the hunger back. I want to get back to where I was. I want another world title, I want to be back at world number one," says Smith.
"After that World Championship title, maybe I put a little bit more pressure on myself, trying to achieve more and win more. But the minute I relax and chill out, I think you'll see what I was doing in 2023."
Smith will take on Michael van Gerwen in the quarterfinals on opening night.
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Kieran WoodDarts Journalist
Kieran Wood is a sports journalist based in Wales and has been active in journalism since 2022. He contributes to DartsNews.com, where he covers professional darts through news, match reports, analysis, and live coverage across the PDC calendar and major tournaments.
A key part of his work is on-site reporting from leading events. Kieran has covered the PDC World Darts Championship in person, reporting daily from the venue and providing first-hand insight from the tournament. During his coverage, he has conducted interviews with leading players including Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, and Gerwyn Price.
He is also one of the leading voices of the English-language Dartsnews Podcast, contributing regular analysis and discussion on developments across the professional darts circuit.
In his reporting, Kieran places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles when new, verified information becomes available.
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- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
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