"I believe I can win it, I wouldn’t be here otherwise" - Ross Smith has no doubts about World Championship hopes

Ross Smith takes on Chris Dobey in the third round of the World Darts Championship after the Christmas break.

Smith started the World Championship with a 3-1 win against Niels Zonneveld. “I don’t think I played that great. I came off stage and I felt it was a lot worse than it was. Maybe I am too hard on myself," Smith told the PDC. “It was amazing to be back on that stage. The crowd were absolutely fantastic. I don’t know why they give me so much support because I’m not one of the big boys, but I can’t ask for anything more, and I just love being here."

Smith won his first major last year and dreams of adding a World Championship title. “I know I’m playing well and I believe I can win it, I wouldn’t be here otherwise. I always feel like I can do well. My stats are really strong, but I’m going under the radar. I also know there’s another 20 players who could possibly win it, so I’m realistic.”

The 34-year-old Englishman looks back on the past year with mixed feelings. “Last year my form on the ProTour was disgraceful to be fair. This year I’ve won a couple of titles, so it’s been a really good season on the floor. I’ve rectified that. In the TV events, it’s not been good enough. I’ve been aiming for quarter-finals and semi-finals minimum to try and push on, but it’s not quite been there. I think I’ve played well, but you need the rub of the green sometimes, so hopefully it comes here.”

Smith will take on Chris Dobey in the third round. "I love Chris to bits. He had a really tough game against Willie (O'Connor ed.), who is a superb player, and I know I’ve got a tough game in the next round."