ST HELENS darter Michael Smith triumphed on Night 16 of the Cazoo Premier League in Newcastle on Thursday, as Joe Cullen defeated World Champion Peter Wright to seal his place at next month's Play-Offs.

Smith was the only player in this year’s event without a night win to his name ahead of the trip to Tyneside, but the World Championship runner-up rectified that with victory on the final night of league phase action.

Smith recorded impressive wins over Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price at the Utilita Arena, before defying a late fightback from Jonny Clayton to scoop the £10,000 winner’s bonus.

“To finally get that win and get over the line was massive tonight. Sadly I didn't make the top four, but I ended on a high and a positive," said Smith.

“It was only me on zero wins in the Premier League, so I was playing for that, and luckily enough I fell over the line against Jonny."

St Helens Star:

The St Helens star had dumped out Van Gerwen in the quarter-finals for a second straight week, before easing past an out-of-sorts Price, who overcame James Wade earlier in the evening.

Smith saved his best performance of the night until last, averaging 98 and converting 67% of his attempts at double to leapfrog Price and secure a sixth-place finish.

The 31-year-old made a blistering start to the Night 16 showpiece, following up an early break of throw with legs of 13 and 12 darts to establish a commanding 3-0 cushion.

St Helens Star:

The world number four extended his lead to 4-0, before Clayton reeled off three successive legs of his own to threaten an unlikely comeback.

Smith then halted Clayton’s charge with a fourth 180 and a 13-darter to move to the cusp of victory, before sealing the deal with a classy 112 checkout, to ensure all eight players ended the campaign with at least one night win to their name.

 

The Cazoo Premier League roadshow now heads to the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Berlin for the Play-Offs on June 13, with Clayton bidding to retain his title.

The 47-year-old will face Cullen in the opening semi-final, before former champions Van Gerwen and Wade collide – having finished second and third respectively.

2022 Cazoo Premier League.

Night 16 – Utilita Arena, Newcastle.

Quarter-Finals.

Jonny Clayton 6-5 Gary Anderson.

Joe Cullen 6-4 Peter Wright.

Michael Smith 6-4 Michael van Gerwen.

Gerwyn Price 6-4 James Wade.

Semi-Finals.

Jonny Clayton 6-4 Joe Cullen.

Michael Smith 6-3 Gerwyn Price.

Final.

Michael Smith 6-3 Jonny Clayton.