SMITH HAPPY WITH “SHOOT-OUT”

MICHAEL SMITH is happy to be facing a “straight shoot-out” for Premier League glory. 

The 2023 World Champion takes on pal Nathan Aspinall in a crunch quarter-final clash in Sheffield. 

Whoever takes the win at the Utilita Arena will take the final place for the finals night at the O2 next week. 

Smith said: “I feel good. Obviously you’d prefer to finish first or second so you guarantee it.

“But it’s good to get to night 16 knowing you still have a chance to qualify.

“Having a straight shoot-out is easier thinking I’ve got to win the whole night. I’ve just got to win one match and I’m really pleased with that.

“It’s been a bit up and down. I was top of the league after three weeks and then it went quiet for four or five weeks. 

“I think the last seven weeks it’s started to come back slowly. 

“I would have loved to finish top. But getting into the top four means you’ve had a good Premier League, especially with the line-up this year.”

Aspinall joked that he hopes Smith has a stinker and he eases into the top four.

Smith added: “I hope he has a rotter and I hope he leaves his bottom back home and it falls out on stage!

“I just want to have fun with Nathan. I know one of us is going to be upset, hopefully it’s him.”

Aspinall says he is used to the pressure cooker matches ahead of facing his pal. 

He said: “I have had many squeaky bum times in my career. I don’t intentionally do it. I’d rather have got through easy.

It is what I do. I live for these moments. 

“When my back is against the wall, when there is nothing left, the last bit of fight in me, I will be there. 

“Every Premier League campaign I have ever played in, it has always come down to the last night. Two out of three times, I have got the job done.” 

Images by Taylor Lanning.