Ross Smith ready for fresh start after PDC World Darts Championship disappointment: "I let other things get into my head that I shouldn't have done"

Ross Smith is determined to take the next step in his career after extending his contract with Unicorn Darts until 2030. The former European champion had a disappointing 2025 PDC World Darts Championship, but is now working to regain his top form.

The 36-year-old Englishman admits the past few months have been tough. Still, he is happy to re-sign with Unicorn and is fully focused on his continued rise up the PDC Order of Merit. “I’m over the moon with it, to be fair," he says in a press release to Unicorn's official website. “Unicorn have been brilliant with me for the past two years. I’m delighted and I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming up with them as well. There’s maybe some new products and stuff like that."

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Smith emphasizes how important it is to have a reliable sponsor behind you. “Having a big brand behind you and the constant help and continuity is a help, without a shadow of a doubt. At the end of the day, you know you ain't got to worry about certain products and stuff like that. If I ever need anything, they send it to me straight away," 'Smudger insists. “They’ve been absolutely superb. I can’t ask for any more of them. They’re the best manufacturer I’ve ever worked with, so I wouldn’t want to ever change that.”

Smith was surprised in the second round of the World Darts Championship by Filipino darter Pablo Nebrida, a defeat that hit hard. Still, he sees it as a new chapter in his career. “I’m ready for the new year, new start, new me, all that sort of stuff. I’ve got some plans in the pipeline on how to improve. Obviously losing at the Ally Pally so early hurt a lot," he admits.

The past few months have been mentally challenging for Smith, but he is determined to come back stronger. “Late December and early January was really tough, if I’m honest," Smith continues. “I’m still chasing just that next level again all the time. I’m not going to beat about the bush, my preparation wasn’t great, but I was only myself to blame in that respect. I let other things get into my head that I shouldn't have done. It’s about rectifying that and moving on from there. I always want to push on and be better than what I have been."

Smith now has clear goals for this season. “So I want to have a better year than last year. I want to make sure I’m back in that top 16 as soon as possible. Back into the seats at the EuroTours, now that’s all changed again," he concludes. “I've got a new practice regime on the go and my house is finally done after over a year. So I feel like I'm in a good place going forward from now.”

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