MICHAEL Smith's fine performances over the course of 2015 have earned him a place in the Betway Premier League in 2016 alongside fellow St Helener Dave Chisnall.

Unfortunately, Stephen Bunting is dropped from the line-up after just one year in the prestigious competition.

Former World Youth Champion Smith sees his rise to eighth in the world rankings, alongside his runs to the Grand Slam of Darts semi-finals and World Championship quarter-finals, rewarded with a coveted place in the £700,000 event.

The Clock Face thrower's enormous season is underlined by his second ranking in floor performance in 2015.

Reigning champion Gary Anderson, who defeated Michael van Gerwen in the 2015 final at The O2 in London, will join his Dutch rival, Adrian Lewis and six-time Premier League champion Phil Taylor as the four automatic selections for the event.

The ever-popular Raymond van Barneveld, the 2014 Premier League champion and a World Championship semi-finalist this week, is joined by 2015 Premier League semi-finalist Dave Chisnall as Sky Sports Wildcard selections.

Robert Thornton's victory in the World Grand Prix last October sees him return to the Premier League, having previously competed in the tournament in 2013 and 2014.

Former Premier League champion James Wade and flamboyant former World Championship and UK Open finalist Peter Wright complete the ten-player field, with the season set to begin on Thursday February 4 at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

Play continues across the opening nine weeks before the bottom two players are eliminated following Week Nine's Judgement Night.

The remaining eight players face off once more in the battle for Play-Off places, with Rotterdam's Ahoy Arena set to stage a league night for the first time before the semi-finals and final take place at The O2 in London on Thursday May 19.

Tickets are available via the venue box offices as listed below or via www.pdc.tv/tickets, although some venues have already Sold Out.

2016 Betway Premier League.

PDC Order of Merit Top Four.

Michael van Gerwen - 2013 Premier League champion Gary Anderson - 2011 & 2015 Premier League champion.

Adrian Lewis - 2011 Premier League finalist.

Phil Taylor - Six-time Premier League champion.

Wildcard Selections.

Peter Wright - 2015 UK Open finalist.

James Wade - 2009 Premier League champion.

Robert Thornton - 2015 World Grand Prix champion.

Michael Smith - Premier League debutant, former World Youth Champion.

Raymond van Barneveld - 2014 Premier League champion.

Dave Chisnall - 2015 Premier League semi-finalist.

Tournament Winner Odds - Courtesy Betway.

5/4 Michael van Gerwen.

11/2 Phil Taylor.

4/1 Gary Anderson.

10/1 Adrian Lewis.

20/1 Peter Wright, James Wade.

25/1 Michael Smith, Dave Chisnal.l 33/1 Raymond van Barneveld.

66/1 Robert Thornton.