"I’ve got a good record against Luke Littler" - Michael Smith full of confidence heading into Premier League Darts playoffs

Michael Smith ended his 2024 Premier League Darts league phase on a high on Thursday night. 'Bullyboy' was too strong for Luke Humphries in the final 6-3 in Sheffield as he took Night 16 victory.

The most important match of the night for Smith however, was his quarter-final against Nathan Aspinall. Luke Littler, Luke Humphries and Michael van Gerwen were already qualified for the playoffs and just one spot remained in the top-4. With that place in finals night going to the winner of Smith vs Aspinall it was 'Bullyboy' who prevailed, thanks in part to some expert finishing, including checkouts of 136 and 132.

“To qualify and end the season with a win, it feels great,” reflected an emotional Smith afterwards. “I was literally drained after beating Nathan. I was really emotional because he’s one of my best friends, but I had a job to do tonight.

“I know I won the first week [in Cardiff], but to sign off with another one, I’m going into The O2 with a little bit of confidence," he continues.

In the semifinals of the playoffs, Smith will take on Luke Littler next Thursday. “I’m really looking forward to next week now. I know I’ve got a good record against Luke, but it doesn’t matter now," Smith assesses, having actually beaten the teen sensation on Night 16 in Sheffield in the semifinals. "This is a different atmosphere, and it feels like a different tournament almost. You have to bring your best game, and hopefully I can bring some good form into next week.”