2024 Premier League: Michael Smith Reflects on Cardiff Wins Over Price and Littler

In a night of darting drama in Cardiff, Michael Smith emerged as the triumphant force on night one in the Premier League, conquering formidable opponents, crowd dynamics, and showcasing the true spirit of a champion. 

Smith's journey began with a formidable clash against the renowned Michael van Gerwen, where he demonstrated unwavering determination and skill, securing a significant victory. The semi-final saw Smith facing rising star Luke Littler, who enjoyed spirited support from the crowd. Undeterred by the lively atmosphere, Smith showcased his mettle, navigating the match and securing a spot in the final.

The ultimate challenge awaited him in the form of hometown hero Gerwyn Price, with the Welsh crowd passionately rallying behind their favourite. However, Smith, unperturbed by the crowd dynamics, swiftly shifted the momentum with rapid-fire 180 visits, establishing control. 

In a post-match reflection with SportsBoom, Smith acknowledged the crowd's fervour for Littler and Price but downplayed its impact on his performance. He emphasised that Price's gameplay ultimately determined the atmosphere, revealing, "I thought I was playing Gezzy [Price] when I was playing Luke [Littler]. The crowd was giving it large for him, there were a few whistles, but that's part and parcel with the game. He [Price] didn't play well enough, so the crowd didn't really affect me; they were pretty tame even for my 180s."

Smith's revelation that he felt like he was facing Gerwyn Price when playing Littler underscores the impact the teenager has had on capturing the crowd's imagination and support. This emphasises the unique ability of Littler to captivate and garner admiration, transcending geographical boundaries and making him a crowd favourite even in the stronghold of a seasoned player like Gerwyn Price.

Addressing his recent form, Smith dismissed concerns about being unfavoured, boldly declaring, "I've not played well for eight months; I don't deserve to be favoured, but I am a world champion of one." Reflecting on the broader context of the tournament, he remarked, "Michael van Gerwen was the third favourite tonight, and since Phil Taylor's retired, there's been no better player. We're not bothered who's seen as the favourites, let Littler take all the pressure, it will only favour us."

Despite his youth, Littler has swiftly emerged as a frontrunner, not just in terms of skill but also as a leader within the sport. The teenager's meteoric rise and ability to command attention has altered the traditional hierarchy, placing him in a position where even experienced champions acknowledge his impact. As he shoulders the expectations and pressure, Littler's influence is poised to reshape perceptions of leadership and excellence in the sport, ushering in a new era where age is no barrier to influence and success.