Michael Smith and Peter Wright will not compete in the 2023 Premier League Darts, despite Smith's recent World Championship win. The line-up includes reigning world champion Luke Littler, along with established players like Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross.
Former world champions Michael Smith and Peter Wright have missed out on a place in this year’s Premier League Darts line-up. Smith was a semi-finalist in last season’s edition after he clinched World Championship success in 2023 but has dropped to 16th in the world rankings, while former Premier League runner-up Wright has struggled for form over the past 12 months.
Newly crowned world champion Luke Littler, Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross were already assured of a place in the Professional Darts Corporation tournament and they will be joined by wild cards Stephen Bunting, Gerwyn Price, Chris Dobey and Nathan Aspinall. \Luke Littler celebrating winning the first set during the final of the World Darts Championship. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Reigning Masters winner Bunting, ranked fifth in the world, will be a popular addition after his fine run to the last four at Alexandra Palace, but Dave Chisnall, Jonny Clayton and Damon Heta – sixth, seventh and eighth in the world – all miss out. Players Championship champion Dobey was another to enjoy an excellent World Championship campaign with a semi-final appearance, while Price and Aspinall tasted defeat in the quarter-finals, but they will all be part of the 13th edition of the eight-man competition. The first night of the tournament begins in Belfast on 6 February with the final scheduled for the O2 in London on 29 May. The event will take place in Dublin on Thursday 20 February. PDC chief executive Matt Porter told Sky Sports: “Obviously with Price, Dobey and Aspinall, there are players above them in the rankings who haven’t been selected but we have looked at it in terms of big stage presence, popularity, and the way they can get a 10,000-person crowd every Thursday going. We want people on the edge of their seats. We want people up and enjoying their darts. That isn’t to say other players can’t do that. You have to make decisions on who is right at the time.
Darts Premier League Darts Michael Smith Peter Wright Luke Littler
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Luke Littler Leads 2025 Premier League Darts LineupThe 2025 Premier League of Darts lineup has been announced. 17-year-old Luke Littler, the reigning World Champion, headlines the field alongside fellow top players Luke Humphries and Michael Van Gerwen. Former World Champions Michael Smith and Peter Wright were not included.
Read more »
Premier League Darts 2025: line-up, schedule, venues, tickets, dates and moreThe Premier League returns in a few weeks and it promises to be one of the most competitive seasons yet.
Read more »
World Darts Champion Luke Littler Could Earn £100 MillionLuke Littler, the youngest ever World Darts Champion, could earn up to £100 million from his career, according to financial experts. His recent victory at the 2025 World Darts Championship secured him a significant prize, adding to his already impressive earnings from 10 titles won in 2024, including the Premier League and Grand Slam of Darts.
Read more »
Irish darts player storms to victory at Lakeside World ChampionshipMcGuirk beat Singaporean darts legend Paul Lim 6-3 in the final to lift the trophy and capture the £50,000 first prize
Read more »
Monaghan's Shane McGuirk wins Lakeside World Darts ChampionshipThe latest sports news from The42.ie in 60 seconds
Read more »
Monaghan’s Shane McGuirk wins world darts title at LakesidePlayer becomes first Irish darts player to win WDF championship, formerly BDO, beating Paul Lim in the final
Read more »