"I am dying to get on that plane and I’m dying to play darts": Michael Smith determined to return to form amid Premier League Darts snub

Michael Smith believes he can win his third major title this year. The "Bully Boy" reached the quarterfinals of the UK Open after victories over Kevin Doets, Madars Razma and Dimitri Van den Bergh.

The world number 17 showed a fine performance with an average of 95 against Doets and Razma. In the fifth round against "Razmatazz," he crowned his victory with an impressive 164-checkout.

Still, Smith faced his superior Jonny Clayton in the quarterfinals, beating him 10-8. Despite this defeat, Smith draws motivation from his exclusion from the Premier League and is determined to regain his best form and win more titles.

“I was disappointed of not being in the Premier League," said Smith. "Not being on the TV as much this year I just wanted to prove a point.

“The point I want to make is Michael Smith will still win majors. Now I am dying to get on that plane and I’m dying to play darts.”

After a difficult start to 2025, in which he was eliminated in the first round in all four Players Championship tournaments, Smith found his rhythm again at the UK Open. For the third time, he reached the quarter-finals of this prestigious tournament, giving him the confidence to capture another major title.

“The last four ProTour’s have not been good for me. I have lost every first-round game but [my game] it’s been there. I know it’s coming back. Trying to get that one win which I managed to get against Kevin [Doets] on Friday. Then I beat Madars [Razma] and Dimitri [Van den Bergh].  

Although he knows his level is not yet where it should be, he sees clear progress. "But it’s building blocks. I’m setting foundations and coming to myself.

“Everyone did not think I would make the final day [at the UK Open.] So that is a huge positive. I just have to turn that positive into getting a trophy now.”