Smith admits he nearly pulled out of World Grand Prix after hospital ordeal

ROSS SMITH revealed he needed a hospital visit just days before surviving a huge World Grand Prix scare.

The world No14 admitted it had been a “nightmare of a week” after battling illness ahead of his first-round clash with Cameron Menzies.

Smith, 37, battled through to edge past Menzies 2-1 in Leicester after surviving TWO match darts while 1-0 down.

The Dover thrower produced a brilliant 99.54 average to keep his bid for back-to-back major titles alive.

Smith admits he was unsure whether he would even be fit enough to compete at the Mattioli Arena.

He said: “It’s been a nightmare of a week to be fair. I haven’t picked a dart up since I won [the World Series Finals].

“I haven’t been well at all. Ended up in hospital on Friday. So, didn’t think I was going to be making it in the Grand Prix.

“I thought I was going to pull out on Saturday night. But I am lucky to be here and sort of getting back to full health.”

Smith has now extended his stunning run of form after lifting the biggest title of his career in Amsterdam earlier this month.

He defeated Gerwyn Price 11-5 in the World Series Finals final to claim his second PDC Premier event crown.

It ended a FOUR-YEAR wait for another big televised triumph, with Smith’s previous major success coming at the 2022 European Championship.

Smith will now bid to reach the World Grand Prix quarter-finals for the first time on his sixth consecutive appearance, with either Price or Krzysztof Ratajski awaiting in the second round.

Words: Phil Lanning

Image: Taylor Lanning