Michael Smith is gunning for Premier League darts glory tonight and he’s shared some thoughts on one of the other finalists.
The Bully Boy is throwing to claim his first win in this event after reaching the final in 2018.
Smith has really taken his career to the next level in the last couple of years, winning the Grand Slam at the end of 2022 and the World Championship in January 2023.
Right now, they’re Smith’s only two major titles and he’s eyeing another one tonight.
Ahead of the O2 Arena showdown, the 33-year-old has delivered some thoughts on his first opponent at tonight’s event.
What Michael Smith has said about Luke Littler
The new kid on the block is doing great things on the tour and he’s going from strength to strength this season.
He defied the odds to reach the World Darts Championship final in January where he was beaten by Luke Humphries.
Littler is now in the semi-finals of the Premier League after topping the group in his maiden year playing the event.
The 17-year-old is yet to win one of the big Sky Sports events but he did lift the Bahrain Masters on ITV in January.
Smith must face Littler first up tonight. He’s explained how some of the players feel about the youngster behind the scenes.
He told Sportsboom: “I don’t have nothing over him apart from one thing. I have a World Championship and he doesn’t.
“He’s probably got better ability than me, I have a better throw, but everything else is probably better like his mental side.
“Luke is such a nice kid. He is amazing and he’s pushing the PDC even further.
“There’s a few getting upset with him, but listen, my pockets get full every time he gets mentioned, so it’s in our best interests that we look after him.”
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This event has been going on for many years but tonight’s showdown in the capital could be pure box office.
All four players are capable of winning this event and it will be fascinating to watch it all unfold.
These comments from Smith are very intriguing – but not overly surprising.
Although Littler is probably a nice kid, it’s a new player emerging onto the scene and essentially taking money out of other player’s pockets.
It really would be quite something if he can get over the line and win the Premier League tonight.
He will face a tough game against Smith first but if he wins that, he will have the confidence to come through and beat either Humphries or Michael van Gerwen in the final.
Littler is great for darts and long may his trajectory continue on an upward curve.