Announcements

TABLE-TOPPER Michael Smith and World Champion Rob Cross will clash as the Unibet Premier League returns to action at Leeds' First Direct Arena on Thursday.

The season's fifth league night had to be cancelled last week at Westpoint Exeter due to the extreme weather conditions, meaning that Smith remains clear at the top of the standings for the visit to Leeds.

The Clock Face-based darter has won his first four games to sit two points clear, and is bidding to continue that run when he meets high-flying Cross on Thursday.

"It should be a really good game," said Smith.

"Rob's had an amazing year and he's come back into form so I know it's going to be tough.

"I still don't feel I've been at my best yet so I'm aiming to improve, but so far I've been taking my chances and I'll be trying to do the same this week."

Cross claimed a narrow win over Smith on his way to World Championship glory at Alexandra Palace, and kick-started his debut Premier League season with successive victories in Newcastle and Berlin.

"My game's been getting back to where I want it to be and I want to keep that going against Michael," said Cross, who was a UK Open quarter-finalist last weekend.

"He's had a great start to the season and deserves to be where he is, and I know I'll have to be good on Thursday. It's the first time I've played in Leeds and it should be a great crowd, and it's exciting."