“Going to Ally Pally just isn’t financially viable" – Raymond Smith unfazed by losing PDC World Darts Championship spot as he focuses on Lakeside

Australian darter Raymond Smith has wrapped up a hectic run of weeks, travelling across Australia and New Zealand as part of the ANZ Premier League. For fans, it was a rare chance to watch him regularly; for Smith himself, it was a stretch full of challenges and valuable lessons.

Speaking to Tungsten Tales, he opened up about the experience, the impact on the local darts scene and his preparations for the WDF World Championship at Lakeside.

Smith describes the recent period as relentless: “I didn’t realise how much of a time sink it would be. You’re working Monday to Friday, 12 o’clock on Friday, and then you’re driving down to the airport, flying out Friday afternoon, playing Saturday night, coming home, landing Sunday midday-ish, and then straight into doing the washing and the cleaning and getting all your chores done, and then back to work on Monday.”

Despite the demands, he sees clear benefits. The ANZ Premier League gives emerging talents vital experience, but seasoned players like Smith also thrive on the week-to-week level of competition. “To play them week in, week out and experience what the big guns are doing… it’s been mental. I’ve learned a heck of a lot over these last seven weeks about how I’m preparing, how I’m playing, and the peaks and lows of concentration.”

For the local darts community, recent developments have been transformative. Smith still plays in a Thursday night club league and says the interest has surged: “My club that I play at on Thursday night, we’re buzzing every night. There’s talk about it and I think we’ve had five or six new players turn up and interested to play. My local news covered darts for the first time… the last time I can recall them covering darts at all was probably when Damo won the Brisbane Masters.”

Crowds have also exceeded expectations. “The best part about it was when the tickets were sold, they knew it wasn’t the best in the world like the World Series. It’s all locals, and people have jumped on it just for the experience. They’ve absolutely loved it. My Facebook blows up with people asking where to get tickets.”

For players, the Premier League is more than a competition — it’s preparation for major stages like the World Series or even the WDF Worlds. “Everybody knows playing off the floor as opposed to playing on stage is a completely different game. Even myself, I’ve had a lot of success on stage, but I’ve learned a heck of a lot about how I’m preparing and playing.”

Smith feels his form is building steadily: “I’m grinding out wins. My numbers haven’t been as good as I’d like, but if I’m honest, that’s where I knew I’d be at this stage. I’m probably a dart and a half short every game, every leg, but I’m pretty happy with where I am — and I know there’s a whole lot more there.”

Although the ANZ Premier League winner earns a PDC World Darts Championship place (eventually won by Simon Whitlock), Smith always knew where he was heading. “For me it was a non-event. It was always going to be Lakeside. I qualified in February, I’d had everything booked and paid for. If I wanted to change my mind now, I’m out about $7–8,000 straight off the bat — and then another ten grand for accommodation and airfares to Ally Pally. It’s just not financially viable.”

It wasn’t just money — it was part of a longer-term plan. “I’ve got a plan about how I’m trying to rebuild after a bit of health issues. Getting back to Ally Pally is the end game, but I don’t want to go over there and fall flat on my face again. I want to find out where I’m at — and then go back and attack it.”

Lakeside also holds deep personal significance. “Lakeside is something that is always pretty special for me. That’s where I played my first game on stage. The history and everything… there’s just something about that venue that’s iconic. It gives you a massive surge of energy.”

He vividly remembers that debut: “I had a massive adrenaline dump when I walked out there. I was chomping at the bit. I had to get rid of so much energy — I started doing the big fist bumps and all that, because if I didn’t, I think I would have fallen over.”

This year, though, he’s approaching things differently: “I’m a bit too old for that now — I’d probably fall over or run out of breath.”

Lakeside still carries real prestige across the men’s, women’s and youth events, and Smith can’t wait to be part of it: “I’m really looking forward to it. Not just from a playing perspective, but as a fan’s perspective. I love watching darts at Lakeside — it’s got so much drama and excitement. When the crowd goes, it’s brilliant.”

He also relishes watching the up-and-coming names: “There are a lot of up-and-coming players that we’ll probably see in the PDC very soon. I’m looking forward to seeing what the next generation are doing.”

Last year he was there supporting his son Kai, who won’t be travelling this time due to other commitments — but Smith’s enthusiasm remains undimmed: “It’s not just about playing, but being a fan. The drama, the tension, the energy of the crowd — that’s what makes Lakeside unique.”