Dan Dawson on Michael Smith's European Championship qualification hopes: 'There is no denying he has put himself in a difficult situation'

Michael Smith is known as one of the World's best making the finals of most of the big major tournaments in the past year alone but he may not be a part of the European Championship lineup later on this year.

Smith is well outside the qualification spots for the season ending event with not a lot of time on his hands to pull something out of the bag.

LiveDarts caught up with European Tour and ProTour commentator Dan Dawson and he believes he can pull it out of the bag but that certain rules have hurt him. As well as that there is no denying that he needs to play some good darts to be involved.

'As far as I know he's missing Riesa and I didn't realise until the weekend when I was looking through all the permutations that obviously this month is where it all happens in terms of qualifying for the European Championship," said Dawson to LiveDarts.

'Michael Smith you are expecting him to be there. World Championship, World Matchplay finalist and also he's usually really good on the European Tour, only two people have won more but he has had problems.'

'That rule about not getting your ranking money if you lose your first game has really hurt him. He wouldn't be the first player to be hurt by that rule. I still think he is going to make the European Championship.'

'But there is no denying Michael Smith has put himself in a difficult position and one that he needs to produce some good stuff to get out of.'