Ross Smith arrives in Dortmund ahead of European Championship defence in top form: "But I've got to keep my feet on the ground"

Ross Smith could not wish for a better run-up to the start of the European Championship. Last weekend he won Players Championship 28 in Barnsley, putting 'Smudger' in top form heading into the tournament where he will try to defend his title.

Smith caused a huge surprise at the previous edition of the European Championship by winning his first major title in Dortmund. In the final, he proved too strong for Michael Smith, after Smith had beaten Joe Cullen, Dimitri van den Bergh, Peter Wright and Chris Dobey earlier that tournament.

The Englishman hopes to continue on the same footing Friday night at the start of his tournament defence against Ricardo Pietreczko. "It was my proudest moment in darts, so to be going back as reigning champion is an amazing feeling," Smith recalls.

Smith, who captured two ranking titles this season, notes that the form is fine. "I'm playing well. I feel like I can beat anybody, but I'm also learning to dig deep. It's not all about averages, it's about getting results over the line and producing at the right moments. My confidence is really high after last weekend. You can't beat that feeling of winning, so the timing has been absolutely perfect, but I've got to keep my feet on the ground."

Smith faces a player in the first round of the European Championship who no doubt is also high in his confidence, tournament debutant Ricardo Pietreczko will be his opponent. The German shocked earlier this month with a title win at the German Darts Championship, the final Euro Tour tournament of this season.

That performance can draw a lot of respect from Smith. "Ricardo is playing fantastic darts at the moment. Full credit to him - he was brilliant in Hildesheim and his ability is amazing, so I'm going to have to be at the top of my game."