"I know that I can beat absolutely anybody in front of me" - No fear for Ross Smith after Josh Rock win sets up Gerwyn Price tie at World Matchplay

Ross Smith started the 2024 World Matchplay with a particularly strong performance. Smudger didn't exactly have the easiest of draws, but still won 10-4 against Northern Irishman Josh Rock fairly comfortably.

For Smith, in his third participation at the Winter Gardens, it is only the first time he has managed to win a match at the World Matchplay. "I'm buzzing obviously to win my first game at the Winter Gardens. I'm really happy and I'm happy with the performance too," Smith reflects in his post-match press conference. "I went missing in a few legs, but I sort of managed the game really well. So I'm really happy with my performance."

Smith, the thirteenth seed at this year's edition of the World Matchplay, faced probably one of the strongest unseeded players being drawn against Josh Rock in the first round. "Josh is an incredible player and he's probably one you would want to avoid I'm not going to lie," admits Smith. "I had a great, great game with him about a month ago on the Euro Tour, so I know what Josh can do."

The draws don't get any easier for Smith as he will take on former World Matchplay finalist Gerwyn Price in the next round. "I'm not fearful of anyone. At the end of the day, I know that I can beat absolutely anybody in front of me, but I'm aware and respectful of the fact that I know that if I'm not on my game, I can get done. So I've got to be on my game," Smith previews of the second round.

The 35-year-old Englishman has seriously climbed up the world rankings in recent months. "I have never been higher and the past six months have been the most constant of my career," he concludes. "But strangely enough they were not the best six months, there have already been spells when I've reached a higher level. Before though, I was constantly switching between good and bad spells, so I'm happy that now there is more consistency in my performance."