Ross Smith clinched his eighth PDC ranking title in emphatic fashion. At Players Championship Five, the 37-year-old Englishman swept past Chris Dobey 8-2 in the final. In the Mattioli Arena, Smith showed he is currently one of the most consistent floor performers, averaging 104.24 with five 180s in the decider.
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From the very first dart it was clear Smith stepped to the oche with confidence at Players Championship 5. He immediately piled pressure on Dobey with heavy scoring and clinical finishing. The former European champion — Smith won that title in 2022 — had played at a consistently high level all day and capped it with a dominant final in which he gave Dobey no chance at all..
“I’ve just played consistently well today,” reflected Smith. "I rode my luck a little bit today, but to win a title like this, you need a bit of luck along the way.
Smith averaged 99.25 across the tournament, staying around or above a ton in virtually every match. On the ProTour, where the standard is exceptionally high week in, week out, that is often the key to success. “I felt really relaxed today. It’s the best I’ve felt this year, so I’m really happy with the win."
That calm approach was evident in his game. While Dobey occasionally struggled to score, Smith remained composed and efficient. With five maximums in a short final, he underlined his dominance. At 8-2 the job was done and Smith could add another floor title to his résumé.
Respect for Dobey
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Despite the one-sided scoreline, Smith had nothing but praise for his opponent afterwards. “We all know how good Chris is. He’s one of the best players in the world, so I’m just grateful to beat him."
Dobey barely had a chance to grow into the match. Whenever he looked to build momentum, Smith replied with a 140 or 180 to seize back the initiative. That ruthless edge ultimately proved the difference.
A floor title four years running
This victory extends an impressive streak for Smith: he has now won at least one Players Championship title in each of the past four years. It underlines his consistent presence among the sport’s upper echelon.
“I’m confident in my game. I know that anyone who plays me is going to have to play really well to beat me, and that’s what it’s all about.”
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Those words sound like a clear warning to the field. When Smith hits his level, he is particularly hard to stop. His blend of scoring power and improved finishing makes him a dangerous opponent in any format.
Ross Smith won Players Championship 5
Confidence for the rest of the season
The title in Leicester brings Smith not only £15,000 in prize money but also valuable ranking points and extra confidence. In a busy PDC season, where margins are tight and the schedule is brutal, a win like this can make all the difference. “I know what I’m capable of,” Smith concluded. “If I keep playing like this and hold onto this feeling, more chances will come.”
But he also had to give Joe Cullen some stick who had stuck around for the interview in the background in the other streaming cubicle and Smudger jokingly shouted 'will you shut up?"
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The Players Championship continues today, with the sixth tournament of the year on the slate in Leicester. Ross Smith is among the entrants and will be chasing back-to-back titles.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
SMITH WINS PC5! 🏆
Ross Smith wins #PC5 in Leicester, as Smudger beats Chris Dobey 8-2, averaging over 104 on his way to his first Players Championship title since October 2025!
📺 bit.ly/PDCTVLive#PC5