"I want to finish top. I'm sick of finishing second, third, fourth, fifth, or even last. I want to be top and that's what I'm here for"
Thursday 22 February 2018 17:53, UK
Michael Smith says he is out to prove the doubters wrong after his winning start to the Premier League season continued with a third successive victory in Newcastle on Thursday night.
Smith won only one of his nine matches in 2016, but has returned to this year's Premier League with the aim of winning the competition.
The 27-year-old beat Mensur Suljovic 7-2, to maintain his perfect start to this year's competition.
Smith finished 72 and 68 to move two legs up before Suljovic hit back to level, but a 116 finish from the World Youth Champion restored his advantage.
Double five edged him 4-2 up, finishes of 13 and 14 darts ensured a minimum of a point before double seven sealed victory.
I play darts because I think I'm one of the best players in the world.
"I want nine out of nine," Smith told Sky Sports. "I want to finish top. I'm sick of finishing second, third, fourth, fifth, or even last. I want to be top and that's what I'm here for.
"I want to go unbeaten - it won't happen - but I want to make sure that whoever beats me is going to have to play really, really well.
"I play darts because I think I'm one of the best players in the world. I've just got prove that I am and I've got to prove it to myself."
Smith added: "I keep winning and I don't feel like I've played my best darts yet so I'll take this. Everything's going well so far and I'm taking my chances.
"I've made a habit over the years of giving games away but people are doing it to me now. I'm loving it at the moment - my darts are going in great and I'm winning."
The 2018 Premier League heads to the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin next Thursday with coverage underway from 7pm on Sky Sports Action. Twelve weeks of tungsten action will continue through to the season's conclusion with the Play-Offs on May 17 at The O2 in London.
Keep up to date with the latest darts news, previews, reports, reaction and expert analysis. Get all the latest at www.skysports.com/darts and join in the conversation @SkySportsDarts- don't forget to use #LoveTheDarts
