“This is business at the end of the day” - Ross Smith puts friendship aside in 101-average Antwerp win

Ross Smith booked his place on the final day of the 2026 Flanders Darts Trophy with a convincing 6-2 victory over Jeffrey de Graaf, averaging above 101 in Antwerp.

Smith has often been his own harshest critic, but even he had little reason to complain after a performance that combined strong scoring with a comfortable result.

“Yes, I love it when you tell me things like that because it never feels like it,” Smith said after being told he had averaged above 101. “I always wait for you to tell me if I’ve played well or not! But no, I’m really happy there. There are a few little points here and there, but sometimes you can’t pick on everything. All in all, if I’ve averaged 101 and I’ve won my first-round match, the win’s the most important thing.”

That ranking focus has shaped Smith’s approach on the European Tour this season. “I’ve told myself that from the start of the year: win your first round on the Euro Tour and you’ll do well in the rankings,” he explained. “So yeah, I’m happy with the win.”

Against De Graaf, Smith raced 3-0 clear and had three darts at double to stretch that advantage further. “Yeah, I missed three darts at double to go 4-0 up, I think it was,” he recalled.

De Graaf managed to respond, but Smith soon regained control and closed out the match before the contest could properly swing.

There was no shortage of respect between the pair, with Smith and De Graaf having known each other for well over a decade. “But full credit to Jeffrey. I’ve known Jeffrey for years and, again, he’s another gentleman and a fantastic darts player,” Smith said.

That familiarity did not soften Smith’s competitive edge once the pair were on stage. “He let me off there, because Jeffrey’s a brilliant darts player. I’m glad he did, because this is business at the end of the day. Yeah, I’m glad for the win.”

Their history stretches all the way back to 2013, when they first met on the PDC youth circuit. Even Smith was surprised by how long ago that was. “Oh right, okay,” he reacted when reminded of their first meeting. “I knew I’d been playing him that long, but I didn’t realise it was that long.”

Both have since spent years establishing themselves on the senior circuit after coming through the youth system together. “Jeffrey’s been around for years, like I have. We’ve all come through the youth system and stuff like that,” Smith added. “But we’re here now and I’m pleased with the win. Yeah, rightly so.”

Smith now heads into Sunday’s final day in Antwerp with another 100-plus average behind him and his strategy of prioritising that opening European Tour win continuing to pay off.