“I won’t name the players... that’s just skanky” – Ross Smith says some darts stars wear same clothes throughout TV tournaments

Ross Smith has lifted the lid on some of the routines followed by players during major televised darts tournaments, admitting he takes a very different approach to unnamed rivals who repeatedly wear the same clothes.

The former European champion, who is in Australia ahead of this weekend’s Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong, is particular about keeping his tournament routine consistent. That even extends to his hotel room, which he prefers not to have cleaned while he remains involved in a televised event.

Clothing is another matter entirely. Smith says there are players on the professional circuit who will continue competing in the same outfit rather than changing between sessions. “There are some players who don’t change their shirt and stuff like that,” he revealed.

Smith declined to identify exactly who he was referring to, but his verdict on the practice was emphatic. “I won’t name the players but that’s just, for me, skanky.”

Smith takes the opposite approach whenever he is appearing on television, changing his outfit rather than sticking with the same shirt or trousers throughout an event. “I will always wear a clean shirt, socks, pants, but there are some people out there that wear the same stuff.”

James Wade, who was part of the same conversation, then added another detail about the unnamed players. “And they are quite vibrant as well...” Wade joked.

Smith’s comments come as he prepares for another appearance on the World Series of Darts. He will face Australian prospect Brody Klinge in the opening round of the 2026 Australian Darts Masters in Wollongong on Friday.

The Englishman will be looking for a better outcome than he managed across the Tasman last weekend. Smith appeared in control of his New Zealand Darts Masters opener when he raced into a 4-1 lead against Adam Leek, but the Australian fought back before surviving six match darts and snatching a dramatic 6-5 victory.

That defeat ended Smith’s Auckland campaign at the first hurdle. He now gets an immediate opportunity to respond in Wollongong, where a fresh shirt, socks and trousers can safely be expected when he returns to the stage.