Ross Smith jokes of 'magic spell' after hammering Ryan Joyce to extend near-perfect record

ROSS SMITH produced another super Saturday to stay on course for more Euro Tour glory.

The No.1 star on the scene this term averaged 101.55 as he took care of his pal Ryan Joyce in the last 32 of the Dutch Darts Championship.

In 14 second-round Euro Tour matches this year prior to his clash with Relentless, Smith had been successful a stunning 13 times and he extended that record with a 6-2 triumph.

He said: "If I've had a 100-plus average, then there's no complaints on my end. I slacked off a little bit here and there at the start, but, to be honest, Joycey is one of my best pals in darts. Absolutely love him to bits. He's a proper gentleman and I think it is just difficult sometimes playing your friend.

"It is a business at the end of the day and we're here to win, but he let me off. I practice with Joycey and all the lads know what he can do. He let me off today."

Smith's success also extended a strong head-to-head sequence of wins against Joyce and he joked on stage: "Yeah, I put my magic spell on him!"

He then added: "No, in all fairness, things like that, I also am aware, I've won a few games against him, but I always think today's the time he's going to bounce back and smack me one! So I'm always on edge and things like that with him.

"Again, he let me off. I played well, but it could have been a lot closer if Joycey had turned up how he can because he's a fantastic player and a top guy."

Smith also took time at the conclusion of his on-stage interview to praise the Maastricht galleries as he added: "I just want to say thank you everyone, this crowd is incredible."

Image: Jenny Segers\PDC Europe