Smith after facing Wilson in UK Open fourth round: "That was a struggle out there"

Smith saw off James Wilson last night in the multi board room and despite winning through fairly comfortably, he said afterwards that it was hard due to their friendship. He will now hope to take his early season form up onto the big stage when he returns there later today.

"That was a struggle out there, I played someone who I actually respect in James Wilson, he's such a nice guy. I had a job to do and my job was to win so I was lucky to get over the line," said Smith to Phill Barrs.

"When I saw the draw come out, I saw 10 or 11 really good games and when Dobey and Ratajski came out, I grabbed my bag, got asked where am I going and I said I'm going to boards 3-8. Some of those games, I wasn't getting on there."

"When I saw the draw came out, I was gutted I wasn't involved. I love to play and I love to win and I love to play the big players to prove a point."