Wright on potential revenge element to Smith Premier League Darts clash: "If he does, it's not the World Championship"

Peter Wright as a real fans' favourite up and down the country is looking forward to returning to Premier League Darts starting in Cardiff on Thursday night.

"Playing the best seven other players in the world, new format so I'm looking forward to that. Back with crowds, back in doing different venues up and down the country so I'm looking forward to that," said Wright to Live Darts.

This was a far cry from last year when it was all played behind closed doors and for Wright, he cannot wait to see fans again during the weekly roadshow.

"It was horrible behind closed doors in Milton Keynes with the fake crowd noise. It was annoying more than anything else, you've already seen what I can do when crowds are back so I'm looking forward to it.

First up in the brand new format for this year is Michael Smith in a repeat of their World Championship final with Wright diminishing any revenge element.

"Obviously over a shorter distance but I'm still going to try and win that game like every time I play against him.

"If he does, it's not the World Championship that's the difference, Tomorrow's a different day, it's a brand new tournament. I'm sure we're going to play each other many times throughout the year so hopefully I'll kick it off with the first one."

But how does he see his chances of adding one of the final pieces of the puzzle to his collection this year?

"Winning the biggest ones you can, this is the next on my agenda. If I knuckle down and prepare correctly, I've got a good chance to pick this up."