Michael Smith ready to give darts fans even more quality tungsten against Rob Cross in Leeds
"I still don't feel I've been at my best yet so I'm aiming to improve"
Wednesday 7 March 2018 19:02, UK
Premier League table-topper Michael Smith claims darts fans have not yet seen him at his best yet as he prepares for a tungsten tussle against Rob Cross in Leeds on Thursday.
The season's fifth league night had to be cancelled last week at Westpoint Arena in Exeter due to the extreme weather conditions, meaning that Smith remains clear at the top of the standings for the visit to Leeds.
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The former World Youth Champion has won his first four games to sit two points clear, and is bidding to continue that run when he meets high-flying World Champion Cross on Thursday.
"It should be a really good game," Smith told the official PDC website. "Rob's had an amazing year and he's come back into form so I know it's going to be tough.
"I still don't feel I've been at my best yet so I'm aiming to improve, but so far I've been taking my chances and I'll be trying to do the same this week."
Cross claimed a narrow win over Smith on his way to World Championship glory at Alexandra Palace, and kick-started his debut Premier League season with successive victories in Newcastle and Berlin.
"My game's been getting back to where I want it to be and I want to keep that going against Michael," said Cross, who was a UK Open quarter-finalist last weekend.
"He's had a great start to the season and deserves to be where he is, and I know I'll have to be good on Thursday. It's the first time I've played in Leeds and it should be a great crowd, and it's exciting."
The 2018 Premier League heads to the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Thursday with coverage underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action & Sky Sports Main Event from 9.45pm. Ten weeks of tungsten action will then continue through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.
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