Ross Smith notices little change since major victory: "I don't feel any extra pressure and just enjoy every tournament"

A convincing 6-0 winner over Jermaine Wattimena in the first round of the Dutch Darts Championship, European Champion Ross Smith has revealed how he is just trying to enjoy himself up on the stage.

"It feels really good to be fair, I feel like I played well and just concentrated on my game and it went tonight thankfully," Smith says in a post-match interview with Darts Actueel. Despite the fact Smith is European Champion, he is not seeded on the European Tour meaning he has to qualify for any events he plays in, something he admits has proven a challenge.

Read also

Schedule and preview Saturday afternoon session 2023 Dutch Darts Championship featuring Rock, Chisnall, Cross and Cullen

"Everyone knows how good the PDC is, the players that are in it, the strength in depth," Smith explains. "I think I've qualified for eight out of ten so far this year so I'll take that all day long. It's difficult."

One thing Smith hasn't had difficulty dealing with though is having the reputation of a major winner. "I sort of embrace it. I'm enjoying it, enjoying every moment. There's no pressure at the end of the day. Look you only live once don't you so go and enjoy it, it might not happen again."

Read also

Tournament Centre 2023 Dutch Darts Championship: Schedule of play, results, TV Guide and prize money breakdown