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ST HELENS darter Michael Smith secured his Play-Off place in the Unibet Premier League with a draw at Arena Birmingham.

Smith ensured his place in the Play-offs as he earned a point in a hard-fought draw with Daryl Gurney.

The Clock Face-based thrower, who needed just three legs to ensure his place at The O2, had to withstand a barrage of six 180s from Gurney.

The Northern Irishman needed at least a draw to keep his top four hopes alive but found himself 3-1 down as Smith started well.

Gurney kept himself in the game with a 147 checkout, and three legs later took out a stunning 167 to level the game at 4-4.

The pressure was on Smith, who trailed 6-5 going into the final leg of the match, but the St Helens thrower held his nerve to deny Gurney a crucial two points by taking out 81 on the bull.

"My dad can book his hotel for The O2 now," said Smith, the former World Youth Champion. "Daryl hit me with some good shots, the 147 and the 167, but I kept my head level.

"I knew I needed one big leg at the end, thankfully I threw well and went out in 12 darts."