“I didn’t feel comfortable tonight” – Ross Smith delivers blunt verdict despite 6-3 win at European Darts Grand Prix

Ross Smith booked his place in the next round of the European Darts Grand Prix with a 6-3 win over Cameron Menzies, producing key moments of quality in an otherwise scrappy contest to average around 96.

While the numbers suggest a solid display, the Englishman admitted the feeling simply was not there on stage.

“It was a very frustrating game,” Smith said in conversation with Dartsnews.com. “I didn’t feel comfortable tonight for some reason.”

It is a striking assessment after what was, on paper, a relatively convincing victory, but one that underlines the self-critical nature of the former major winner.

Smith explained how he felt “flat” throughout the contest, a term often used in darts when rhythm and fluency are missing.

The match itself reflected that assessment. Both players struggled for rhythm in the early stages, with missed doubles allowing momentum to swing, before Smith steadied the contest with a crucial 106 checkout to regain control. “I felt a bit flat and maybe I was feeling sorry for myself at times when a few scores weren’t going my way,” he admitted.

From there, Smith managed the closing stages effectively, pulling clear despite never fully finding his best level.

Despite that, he still managed to come through the match professionally, and that ultimately remained the priority. “At the end of the day, I’m happy with the win and that’s the most important thing.”

The question then becomes where that feeling comes from, especially when preparation has been strong.

For Smith, there is not always a clear answer. “It can just happen, to be fair,” he explained. “I’ve done everything right preparation-wise coming into this tournament, so there’s no real reason for it.”

He pointed to possible external factors, though without conviction. “It’s hot and humid in the practice room, maybe that’s got something to do with it slightly, I don’t know.”

That uncertainty can make it even more difficult at the top level, where not every off-performance has a clear cause. The only solution, in Smith’s view, is to move forward quickly. “At the end of the day, I need to put a smile on my face, kick myself up the backside and get on with tomorrow.”