“They were fantastic, even though they were against me” – Ross Smith enjoyed the partisan Dutch fans at the World Series Finals

Ross Smith has carried his fine form into the World Series of Darts Finals. The Englishman saw off Kevin Doets 6-3 in the first round in Amsterdam, averaging 102.98. According to “Smudger”, part of the reason for his strong run lies away from the oche: the 37-year-old Smith simply feels good in himself.

Smith is putting together an excellent season. The world number 14 has already won the International Darts Open and the Hungarian Darts Trophy, and added two Players Championship titles. At AFAS Live he again showed why he is one of the form players. Smith fired in seven 140s and kept Doets at arm’s length to close it out 6-3.

He did have to contend with the Dutch crowd. Doets naturally had the stands behind him, which meant a hostile reception for Smith. He had no issue with it. “It was difficult but that is what you expect when you are playing a local player like Kevin,” Smith said afterwards. “We are in Holland here. I actually really like it and that is what you need.”

Smith appreciated the atmosphere in AFAS Live, even though the crowd clearly sided with his opponent. “We want a crowd here. They have been fantastic even though they were against me. That is what you need. You need an atmosphere. Without them guys we wouldn’t even be here.”

The results are stacking up for Smith this season, but he refuses to look too far ahead. With a busy darts calendar coming up, he wants to focus on the next tournament and the next match.

“To be fair, I am not looking too far ahead. I am enjoying the darts I am playing at the moment,” said Smith. “I am playing really well, I know that. All I am doing is concentrating on each tournament. I am not looking at the bigger picture because there are far too many tournaments coming up."

The Englishman also does not want to be distracted by targets later in the season. “I am just concentrating on me and doing the best I can each game, each tournament. Hopefully, I can lift a few more trophies this year.”

Smith’s relaxed presence at the oche also stems from his private life. Things are good at home and his little boy now comes to watch him from time to time on the European Tour. “My little lad, he keeps on turning up now and again on the Euro Tour. All serious things are going well at home. Everything is good in life and that makes a massive difference."

Smith is also acutely aware of the privileged position he enjoys as a professional darter. While his results could bring extra pressure, he is trying above all to enjoy the moment. “I am just happy in life. I pinch myself I am lucky to do this as a job for a living. Who wouldn’t want this?”