St Helens born darts star Michael Smith is optimistic ahead of night 13 of the Darts Premier League, which takes place in Liverpool’s M&S Bank Arena on Thursday night.
The former world champion takes on Rob Cross in the quarter final, and sits fifth in the Premier League table, so is hopeful of adding more points on the board in an effort to land a play-off spot.
Smith said: “I think Rob’s (Cross) been playing well, and I am as well.
“I’m hoping the crowds will be on my side, and give him a bit of stick, but it should be an interesting game.
“Rob’s a good scorer, but he’s an exceptionally good finisher as well.
“I’ve got to make sure my scoring’s on point, and whenever I get the chance at the double first not to miss, because he can check out anything.
“I’ve just got to punish everything, every time.
“It’s a bit like when you play James Wade, you can’t give him a sniff, because he will take it from under your feet.”
Having reached the final during the last Premier League night in Rotterdam, Smith is hopeful of going one further in Liverpool: “I’d love another night win, but I’ve just got to make sure I get past that first round and guarantee the two points and then you go from there.
“If you’re in the final and you lose, you’ve only gained a point.
“Winning that first game’s crucial, because you’re getting two (points) for one match.
“The main aim for tomorrow is to beat Rob, and then whoever I play in the semis, then you look forward to winning (the night).
“It would be nice, I need the five points, especially as I need to catch the number one and two, but the main thing is just two points.”
