"I'm not going to lie, I was absolutely devastated": Ross Smith looks back openly on Premier League Darts snub

Ross Smith found his way past Paavo Myller 6-3 in his opener at the International Darts Open and now has a tie with Gerwyn Price in his sights during a blockbuster evening session.

Smith spoke after his win and looked back on his Premier League Darts snub from earlier in the year as he was left out despite being European Champion.

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"I'm not going to lie, I was absolutely devastated. I wasn't happy at all but I can understand now," said Smith to Online Darts.

"I understand the reasons the PDC done what they done but I'm still gutted. At the end of the day, I've got to get on with it, it's not my decision. I've got to respect their decision, this is my job at the end of the day and I want to progress and hopefully next year if I pull my finger out, you never know. Hopefully I will be in it one day and that's my goal."

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He also confirmed that he only got an email explaining the decision but that the whole experience will make him stronger.

"I had an email through from Matt Porter sort of explaining. But again it's out of my hands, it's not my decision and I respect that at the end of the day. Maybe I wasn't ready for it, maybe I was who knows. I hope that one day that chance will come again. It makes you stronger, you need a knock in life to make you stronger."