Michael Smith is bidding to maintain his advantage at the top of the Unibet Premier League table as the tournament visits Westpoint Exeter tonight for the season’s fifth league night.
Smith is the only player to have recorded four wins so far this season, having extended his unbeaten record with victory over Simon Whitlock in their top-of-the-table clash in Berlin last week.
The former World Youth Champion comes up against Raymond van Barneveld in Exeter, and is aiming to retain his two-point cushion at the top of the table.
“Things have gone really well so far but I’m not taking anything for granted,” said Smith. “I still feel I’ve not played my best darts yet and I’ll have to do that against a class player like Raymond.
“I’ve been taking my opportunities so far and if I can keep doing that hopefully I’ll get another win.”
Whitlock, the 2012 runner-up, is aiming to get back to winning ways following his loss to Smith when he faces Welshman Gerwyn Price on Thursday.
“I struggled against Michael in Germany last week but I’m very happy with how it’s going overall,” said Whitlock. “I have enjoyed every minute so far.
“I want to get back to winning ways and keep myself in these Play-Off spots and challenge at the top.
“I think my experience might count for something against Gerwyn. It’s great to go back to all the venues I’ve missed while not being in the Premier League and I am really looking forward to Exeter.”
Reigning Premier League champion Michael van Gerwen picked up his third win of the season by defeating Daryl Gurney in Berlin, and now faces Austrian star Mensur Suljovic, who claimed his first Premier League win last week.
“I’m trying to get to the top of the table as soon as possible and the game on Thursday gives me a chance to make another step towards that,” said Van Gerwen.
“I have been happy with some of my performances but not all and I know I will have to produce a good one against Mensur as he played very well last week.
“It could be the start of a very good weekend for me with the UK Open just around the corner and I can send out a message with a very good performance and win in Exeter.”
World Champion Rob Cross is looking to continue his revival after claiming back-to-back victories in the past fortnight, with the Hastings thrower up against Gary Anderson in Exeter.
“I’ve been improving in the last few weeks and my finishing is getting back to where I want it to be,” said Cross. “I’m a lot happier with my game and I’m feeling good.
“I was happy with how I played against Raymond last week and I know I’ll have to be good again when I play Gary because he’s a great player, but I’m looking forward to it.”
The night’s other game sees Peter Wright prepares for this weekend’s defence of his UK Open title against Northern Irish star Daryl Gurney, who has yet to claim victory this season.
The Unibet Premier League will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 7pm on Thursday night and shown worldwide through the PDC’s international broadcast partners.
In addition, the Unibet Premier League will feature radio commentary throughout the season on talkSPORT and talkSPORT2. For further details of coverage, please visit www.talksport.co.uk.
Unibet Premier League
Night Five – March 1
Westpoint Exeter
Gary Anderson v Rob Cross
Daryl Gurney v Peter Wright
Mensur Suljovic v Michael van Gerwen
Raymond van Barneveld v Michael Smith
Simon Whitlock v Gerwyn Price
Tickets via www.ticketzone.co.uk and 08444 99 99 55
Unibet Match Odds – Night Five
6/5 Gary Anderson
33/10 Draw
8/5 Rob Cross
33/10 Daryl Gurney
7/2 Draw
3/5 Peter Wright
8/1 Mensur Suljovic
6/1 Draw
11/50 Michael van Gerwen
7/5 Raymond van Barneveld
33/10 Draw
7/5 Michael Smith
6/5 Simon Whitlock
33/10 Draw
13/8 Gerwyn Price
