"It infuriates me when I play so bad": Ross Smith 'not here to make the numbers up' after last gasp Grand Slam win
PDCTuesday, 12 November 2024 at 16:30
Ross Smith eased past Connor Scutt 5-0 in a straight shootout to reach the Last 16 where he now faces Martin Lukeman at the Grand Slam of Darts.
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Frustration was evident for Smith who hasn't been able to by his own admission find his form that he has previously exhibited in winning major titles and being part of the world's elite with his scoring power among the best in the sport.
But he now says that he wants to prove that he is not there to make the numbers up and that he can produce his best still.
"I'm just glad to be through but in my head, it was just a straight forward knockout for me. Was just telling myself it's a straight knockout best of nine today and going forward it was the same. I was not trying to think about the group stages, I was trying to think about winning that game," said Smith to Online Darts.
"To me it's just cutthroat, you just get on with it. I haven't been playing well so when I hit things at the right moments, it's a bit of a release. I just played my game."
"I'm not in it to make numbers up, it infuriates me when I play so bad. Two games previous, I don't think I played well in that one. I still know I can improve a hell a lot more than that and need to if I lift that trophy up."
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"I always believe any tournament I go into that I can win it. But yeah Luke Humphries for him to go out is a shock. I don't know if I would be drawing him next round. I don't look into it so I don't have a clue."
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
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