Mighty Michael Smith is back in the kingdom on a determined mission to defend his darts title.
Regarded as one of the world’s top players, he’s confident he has the style, grace and northern grit to keep pretenders away from his crown.
Smith made history at last year's inaugural Bahrain Darts Masters challenge.
“I am excited to back,” he exclusively told the GDN. “I still have last year's trophy displayed on the fireplace back home, and I'm looking forward to what is hopefully a successful title defence.”
During an interview with the GDN last year, Smith had a small plea to the people of Bahrain - buy a ticket and give the sport a chance.
They did not disappoint and as a result, darts has grown in popularity across the kingdom.
Smith has expressed his joy in playing a part in the growth of the sport.
“It makes me very happy,” he said.
“The sport is growing every single day, and as a result I have been able to travel the world, and play the sports in places such as this beautiful country.
“Darts is bigger than it has ever been before, and I'm looking forward to putting on a show with everyone else.”
This year's edition is a star studded affair, featuring World Champion Luke Humphries, 16-year-old sensation Luke Littler, and other top players such as Gerwyn Price.
Confident Smith is looking forward to a strong tournament.
“I can't wait to take on the best of the best, whether it’s a local competitor, or one of the favourites,” he added.
“This will be difficult, but regardless, I am aiming to get to the final and defend the trophy.
“The likes of Littler will make this an interesting competition, especially seeing how fast he rose through the ranks last year at such a young age.”
The landscape might have changed more than ever in the world of darts, but one thing that hasn't changed is Smith's mentality, with the former world champion looking more focused than ever.
“I'm just here to do the best I can,” he said.
“Whether I am the challenger or defending champion, it does not change how I approach a tournament.
“It's about keeping my eye on the prize, and taking it one game at a time.”
Whether Smith wins the tournament or not, his aim is clear, he wants to put on a show for the fans, and introduce more people to the sport.
“When I get on that stage, it's all about entertaining the people in attendance,” he explained.
“We all want to show them a good time, and we all want this sport to continue to grow.
“I have managed to get some practice in, but this will be the first tournament in 2024, so let's go big and wow people.”
The first round of the tournament will begin tomorrow evening at the Bahrain International Circuit.
It will feature 16 of the very best in the sport with eight PDC professionals and eight Asian representatives, including two Bahrainis - Hassan Haji and Abdulla Saeed.
Gates are scheduled to open at 6pm on Thursday and Friday, with the darts matches being held from 7pm to 11pm.
A DJ session will then follow play from 11pm to closing at 1am.
- Those wishing to attend this weekend’s 2024 Bahrain Darts Masters but still haven’t purchased their tickets or hospitality packages can still do so on bahraingp.com or through the BIC Hotline on +973 17450000.