"Will you shut up?": Ross Smith has post Players Championship final interview interrupted hilariously by heckling Joe Cullen

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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?"

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.