Michael Smith opens up on his relationship with Luke Littler and Luke Humphries ahead of World Darts Championship bow - and reveals why he has struggled since winning title two years ago
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Michael Smith is not the favourite to win the World Darts Championship. Michael Smith is not the second favourite to win the World Darts Championship. Michael Smith is not the third favourite to win the World Darts Championship. Or fourth. Or fifth. Smith, 34, from St Helens in Liverpool, is the sixth favourite to lift the Sid Waddell trophy at Alexandra Palace on January 3. That's despite being the defending champion this time last year, being ranked second in the world and, to be honest, having a reasonably favourable draw on paper.
![[He is open about his struggles over the last two years and has had a topsy-turvy year overall]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/14/93318393-14206529-image-a-2_1734619998892.jpg)
When Smith takes to the stage inside the Ally Pally on Thursday for his second round match against Kevin Doets, he will be expected to progress, but fans will sense an upset. Just like what nearly played out last year, when Doets led 2-1 in sets before his opponent recovered.
![[Just 12 months ago, the Brit was the defending champion after winning the title in early 2024]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/14/93318453-14206529-image-a-3_1734620015837.jpg)
We share a chuckle as Smith calls in for the call from his car. He is going to pick up his children, late for the interview. It's just a couple of hours until Doets faces Noa-Lynn van Louven in the first round for the chance to play Smith. 'This is the one that I really want to hit hard,' he tells Mail Sport. 'Obviously I want to hit them all hard, but this one in particular, I just had a lot of money go off the ranking, so I need to pick some more back up.'.
![[Luke Littler (left) and Luke Humphries (right) are the favourites to lift the title in January]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/14/93318427-14206529-image-a-4_1734620021066.jpg)
He hasn't been in the best of form this year - something he admits. 'I've not been in a great place, playing wise. I've done bits and bobs, made a few finals, won a pro tour, a couple of semis, but to have a good one here and win it, I can write this year off as a good one and go into 2025 as a two-time world champion.'.
![[There is no animosity from Smith, however, who says he is used to attention not being on him]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/16/93318409-14206529-There_is_no_animosity_from_Smith_however_who_says_he_is_used_to_-a-1_1734626053434.jpg)
