"I'm going to be like the Elephant Man tomorrow" - Ross Smith stung three times by the infamous 'Ally Pally Wasp' after reaching third round

Ross Smith successfully ensured his post-Christmas Ally Pally return on Wednesday afternoon with a 3-1 win over Niels Zonneveld.

Hitting seven maximums, averaging over 95 and reeling in the 'Big Fish', it was a solid start to the World Championship for Smith. Nevertheless, post-match he wasn't totally convinced by his own performance. "I'm just happy with the win. I wouldn't say I've played that great. I've come off there thinking it was a lot worse than it is and maybe I'm a little too hard on myself," he explained in his post-match press conference.

It was actually a few words from a former two-time World Championship semi-finalist that cheered 'Smudger' up. "Chris Mason just said to me then that I've played half decent so a 95 average, even though it felt like an 85, I'm happy. I know I don't look very happy, but I'm happy with the win because I can go to Christmas now and enjoy it."

After surviving the attack of Zonneveld, Smith was pounced upon by the infamous 'Ally Pally Wasp' in his post-match interview, the insect seemingly back from the dead after being stamped on by Luke Humphries a few days ago. "I got stung three times!" Smith says. "I'm going to be like the Elephant Man tomorrow. It went ping, ping, ping and flew off. Luckily it's on my left hand."

Post-match Smith was also seen celebrating with his young son in some heart-warming scenes. "The first time Archie is ever come and watched me play so to win in front of him was so important. I'm so pleased to win in front of him and I had him in the practice room with me because I was quite nervy but him being there relaxed me."