The 2025 Premier League Darts lineup is sparking controversy as key figures within the darts community weigh in on the omission of reigning world champion Michael Smith. Paul Nicholson, former PDC professional, has been vocal about his belief Smith should not be included this season, highlighting concerns over Smith’s recent performance and ranking.
Michael Smith’s fall from grace has been dramatic. After winning the World Championship, he has struggled, now sitting outside the top 10 and facing the grim prospect of missing major tournaments like the World Matchplay. This decline has prompted Nicholson to suggest Smith re-evaluate his approach to tournament participation.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Nicholson praised Smith’s work ethic but pointed out potential flaws in his current strategy. “I’ve never questioned Michael Smith’s work ethic ever. And I never will. But I think he does,” Nicholson said. He pointed out the need for Smith to prioritize tournaments ranked for the PDC Order of Merit, stating, “If he’s not putting in the work and he’s not going to enough tournaments or the right ones, which are ranked, […] you’re going to find yourself in a position where you’re not at the Matchplay.”
Referring to Smith’s position, Nicholson offered advice reminiscent of techniques used by professional golfers like Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. He urged Smith to develop a structured calendar for the year, similar to how elite athletes carefully select their events. “This is how golfers prepare their seasons. When does Rory (McIlroy) ever play more than three weeks in a row? […] This is what dart players need to do now,” Nicholson emphasized.
The announcement of the Premier League Darts lineup is also noteworthy due to the inclusion of Stephen Bunting and Chris Dobey, who replaced veteran players Smith and Peter Wright. This decision has raised eyebrows, considering Smith’s prior status as world champion and fan favorite. His performance peaked during the last Premier League, where he finished fourth, enough to secure qualification for finals night.
Despite his achievements, including notable wins earlier, Smith’s performance dipped significantly throughout 2024; he celebrated only two event victories: one at the Players Championship held in Germany and another at the World Cup of Darts alongside teammate Luke Humphries. His 2024 campaign culminated with his shocking exit during the second round of the World Championship to competitor Kevin Doets, causing him to plummet to the 16th position globally.
The scrutiny surrounding Smith reflects broader concerns within the sport about how players manage their schedules and maintain competitiveness. Nicholson’s comments shed light on the importance of strategic participation, especially when considering the saturated calendar of events; there are 34 Players' Championships and 14 European Tours scheduled for 2025, with no guarantee of making it to Matchplay.
Smith’s situation has not gone unnoticed. Nicholson insists this could present Smith with the perfect opportunity to recalibrate and find his footing. “This is actually good for Michael Smith because I think this is a chance for him to re-establish himself,” he noted, underlining the potential benefits of stepping back from the spotlight of the Premier League.
For many, the Premier League Darts is not just about individual skill but also about strategic play, mental fortitude, and effective scheduling. Time away from the pressure of prominent events might grant Smith the opportunity to focus on what truly matters: regaining his ranking and championship potential.
Moving forward, the darts community will be watching closely as the lineup is officially announced, with fans eager to see if Nicholson's critique resonates with Smith and leads to meaningful change. Will Michael Smith take this pivotal moment to reflect and recalibrate his approach, or will he risk fading from the sport’s elite ranks during this tumultuous period?
Whatever the case, one thing is clear: the darts world holds its breath as it anticipates how Smith will rise from this challenging phase and whether he can emulate the success of golfing greats whose methods of preparation could serve as his roadmap to recovery.