History To Repeat Itself For Smith?

Red Dragon Darts

The 2023 Cazoo Premier League will conclude with the Play-Offs in London on Thursday, as the final four compete for the £275,000 top prize at The O2.

Following 16 thrilling nights of league phase action, the £1m tournament will culminate on a blockbuster night of action in the English capital on May 25.

Reigning champion Michael van Gerwen will be among the players vying for the coveted title, along with world number one Michael Smith, 2021 champion Jonny Clayton and table-topper Gerwyn Price.

(Left to Right) Darts stars Michael Smith, Michael van Gerwen, Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton pose with the Cazoo Premier League trophy outside of The O2 ahead of the Cazoo Premier League Play-Offs on Thursday.

Smith is appearing in the Play-Offs for the first time since succumbing to Van Gerwen in the 2018 decider, and the world number one arrives at The O2 in blistering form.

The 32-year-old won three of the last four league nights to leapfrog Van Gerwen and finish in second position, and he is bidding to cap off a dream six-month spell by adding a maiden Premier League crown to his World Championship success.

“I feel like I’ve played really well in spells, but it’s about coming here now and winning this title,” said Smith – who lifted the World Youth Championship title at this venue a decade ago.

“I always believe I’m the favourite, I always believe in myself, believe in the process and hopefully it all comes together tomorrow.

“When I lost to Michael in the Premier League final, I also lost to him in the World Championship that year, so hopefully history repeats itself five years on, and I can beat him in the Premier League too.

“The Premier League is one of the biggest titles. Apart from the World Championship, this is the title everyone wants, so hopefully I can add it to my list!”

The 2023 Cazoo Premier League Play-Offs will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK & Ireland, through the PDC’s worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN, Viaplay and VTM, and on PDCTV for Rest of the World Subscribers.

2023 Cazoo Premier League Play-Offs

Thursday May 25 (1900 BST)

The O2, London

Semi-Finals – Best of 19 legs

Gerwyn Price v Jonny Clayton

Michael Smith v Michael van Gerwen

Final – Best of 21 legs

Price/Clayton v Smith/Van Gerwen

—–ENDS—–

Images: Steven Paston/PDC

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