Ross Smith aims for new milestone in darts career at World Grand Prix: “I have set my standards high, but I think you need to"
PDC
Ross Smith will make another appearance at the World Grand Prix on Thursday night. Then generation mate Joe Cullen awaits in the second round of the tournament in Leicester.
'Smudger' could then reach the quarter-finals at the double-in double-out tournament for the first time in his career. It would be another milestone for Smith since he returned to darts in 2018 after a sabbatical. The absolute highlight came last year when, to everyone's surprise, he won the European Championship. Moreover, Smith managed to win a Players Championship tournament for the third time this year. He is close to entering the top-16 of the world rankings, but is nevertheless not yet satisfied with his performance.
“I have set my standards high, but I think you need to,” Smith said in an interview with the PDC. “I have won a Players Championship event [in 2023], I’ve made the semi-finals on the European Tour, and if you had said that to me last year, I would have probably said I was having a great year. Now I feel that’s not good enough. I want to be in the quarter-finals and semi-finals of every TV event."
“I have to strive to be better and that is what I am trying to do, both on and off the board. I know it’s not going to happen overnight, but I’m pushing. I want to win another major title, I want to win Players Championships, I want to win European Tour events. I want to beat whoever is in front of me basically.”
Smith is one of a new generation of darters who values a strict fitness regime. An approach he believes will pay off in the long run. “I don’t think I am anywhere near my best, but I know if I keep working hard, then it will come. I am working hard behind the scenes. I’m looking after myself. I think it’s going to be a long process, but I’m doing everything right, and hopefully it will pay off. I may not see results overnight, but all of my statistics have improved over the last 12 months, so I am going in the right direction."
Smith is competing in this year's World Grand Prix for the third consecutive year. In the first round he defeated former tournament winner Jonny Clayton 2-0 in sets. In his previous two participations, the second round was the end station each time. That has to change this year.
“I believe it’s going to come and I am just telling myself the tide will turn. I like Joe. He’s a good guy and a great dart player, but to be honest with you, I don’t really look at my opponents anymore. I just concentrate on my own game and my own performance, and hopefully it will be enough to get through another round.”
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