156 FROM BULLY BOY! Another monster checkout from Michael Smith to stay alive against Luke Littler! 📺 bit.ly/PLD24Live #PLDarts | SF1
Michael Smith edges Luke Littler in deciding leg to reach final on Night 16 of Premier League Darts in Sheffield
PDCThursday, 16 May 2024 at 22:54
Michael Smith has become the first man to book their place in the final of Night 16 at the 2024 Premier League Darts. After a victory in Nathan Aspinall the quarter-finals, Smith saw off Luke Littler 6-5 in the semi-finals in Sheffield.
Earlier in the night both Luke Littler and Michael Smith bagged themselves big wins. Littler saw off Peter Wright, securing that he would finish on top of the Premier League Darts table at the end of the campaign. Smith meanwhile, ensured he would the fourth and final name in the playoffs on finals night with a victory over Nathan Aspinall in what was essentially a straight shootout for fourth place.
'BullyBoy' had the advantage of throw having won the bull but that was quickly cancelled out by Littler in the opening leg as the 17-year-old broke the throw in 12 darts. Holding in the following leg and then breaking the throw again in leg 3, the table topper quickly stretched into an early advantage, despite the fact the averages weren't exactly anything too extraordinary.
Getting a break back in leg 4, Smith finally got himself off the mark. After Littler took leg 5, the teenager was waiting for a shot at double 10 to move within one of the match, only for Smith to pin a sensational 156 and keep himself in touch at 4-2 behind. Another ton-plus finish, 120 this time, followed and with a 14-darter in leg 8, 'BullyBoy' had clawed back to level terms.
With both players seeing opportunities come and go in leg 9, Smith was the man to eventually take the leg and move to the hill. Although Littler managed to force a decider, in the final leg it was the former world champion who prevailed, holding throw in 13 darts on double 10 to reach the final on Night 16.
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- When Littler has at least five ranking Majors he’s in the discussion, until then, forget it.Mysstree14-11-2024
- This is the difference between other players and Phil Taylor. Phil would be completely motivated even before his walk on and didn't need anything else to do so.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024
- Still impressive though. Also literally everyone cares about averages that's what makes darts fascinating.medinabello14-11-2024
- BS he won a Euro Tour during this down period something that not many players can say. Dobey, Noppy, DvD, Ross Smith to name just a few.medinabello14-11-2024
- Maybe the supposed top players are burnt out from the endless travelling and tournaments, I just don't think they have the dedication or outright desire to win. I think they are more interested in the money and being popular, just keeping their rankings steady. The only thing that mattered to Phil Taylor was winning, not winning a few games to top up the money pot and seeking the fans attention. Maybe there is too many tournaments now and the enthusiasm is gone. This year especially has seen so many different winners and unexpected draws and line ups.richieburnettrocks14-11-2024