Michael Smith reached his first World Matchplay semi-final since 2020 last night after sweeping aside Rob Cross.
It was a repeat of the 2019 final in Blackpool that saw Cross lift the trophy after racing into a 9-0 lead against Smith.
Last night’s clash was another one-sided affair as the ‘Bully Boy’ capitalised on double trouble from his opponent to secure a 16-7 victory.
Tonight, Smith will face three-time champion Michael van Gerwen for a spot in the final after the Dutchman comfortably defeated Andrew Gilding.
Speaking to Darts Now, Smith looked ahead to the tie whilst making a surprising statement.
Michael Smith seeking redemption at World Matchplay
Smith lost 11 major finals before lifting the Grand Slam of Darts in 2022 and admits he’s looking for redemption after a painful Matchplay final defeat five years ago.
Speaking to the press after his win over Cross, he revealed that he feels people view him as an easy draw.
He said: “I always see myself as people are happy when they draw me. It could be worse, you could be getting Gary Anderson, Van Gerwen, you could be getting Luke Humphries so when they get me, they’re happy to get me but I have to show them why they shouldn’t be happy.
“I know Van Gerwen now is probably thinking Rob Cross is probably the better player this tournament and now he’s got me.”
On Van Gerwen, he said: “So many times when I’ve played him I’ve just let him walk over me so now after that World final I don’t think I’ve played him much since then, so this is a nice rematch now.”
Van Gerwen will not underestimate Smith
Smith may think players view him as an easy draw, but it would be surprising if that was reality.
The St Helens superstar has two majors to his name and has reigned as the World Number One.
As the 33-year-old alluded to, he has beaten Van Gerwen in a World Championship final so ‘Mighty Mike’ is well aware of the danger he possesses.
Neither have produced their top form since impressive opening round matches but it’s rare these two disappoint on the oche.
Their semi-final clash tonight has the potential to be the match of the tournament if both players can settle early in the Winter Gardens.