"He's just one person I never want to lose to" - Michael Smith continues to be extra motivated against Raymond van Barneveld

Michael Smith easily qualified for the second round of the European Championship. 'Bullyboy' defeated Raymond van Barneveld 6-1 in his opening match.

"I think I said after Barney beat me in Holland, that could be the kick up the backside I needed. As soon as he beat me there I got straight back on the practice board," Smith says post-match. "Didn't play the best tonight but did enough to get the job done."

A match against Van Barneveld always provides extra motivation for Smith. "2016, I lost to him in the quarters of the World Championship 5-4 and I promised myself I'd never lose to him again. We drew once in the Premier League but I never lost to him until what, six weeks ago in Holland? That got me back on the practice board and I don't want to say anything because you'll clickbait it but he's just one person I never want to lose to."

Smith will take on Peter Wright in the next round. "I still feel like I'm struggling, so if I'm struggling now and averaging 98 or 99 and whatever," Smith analyses. "Fresh day tomorrow, get ready for Saturday and that's the main thing, just focus on this. I don’t care about form, I’ll be ready."