Smith reacts after revenge defeat from Van Gerwen on Night One of Premier League Darts: “He wants to smash me up, I want to smash him up that's how darts should be played”

Michael van Gerwen saw off Michael Smith in a repeat of the World Championship final on Night One of Premier League Darts in Belfast 6-3 but despite that, 'Bully Boy' who spoke afterwards said it is only early in the tournament and that he didn't do much wrong.

"It didn't slip away. Michael played well, I enjoyed being in that game then and I was just gutted when he went off in that last leg 180 and I went treble, treble. Missed it and looked straight at the commentary box and thought of Mardle in my head and thought of 'I can't spake'," he said to Online Darts.

"I'm just glad it was week one and not week 14 if I'm chasing points or I need points or whatever so no I'm happy with the way I played, ton plus average so I didn't do much wrong. It's the first week I'm not fussed."

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It seems to also be a rivalry that fuels on Van Gerwen and he said that it brings out the best in each other.

"He said to me mate this isn't the first one. I know we only get two games but I'm pretty sure we will play in semi's or finals in the Premier League. He wants to smash me up, I want to smash him up that's how darts should be played. He's still the best and you want to beat the best."