SMITH: “I LET OTHER THINGS GET INTO MY HEAD”

By Aaron Nijjar  

ROSS SMITH has vowed to start a new chapter after his shock exit at the World Championships. 

World No.18 Smith was dumped out of the tournament in the second round by Paolo Nebrida. 

‘Smudger’ was whitewashed by the Filipino thrower as he fell well below expectations in December.  

The former European Championship winner has admitted that the period of time was “really tough”. 

However, Smith is keen to “push on” and improve from where he was at the oche. 

He said: “Late December and early January was really tough, if I’m honest. I’m still chasing just that next level again all the time. 

“I’m not going to beat about the bush, my preparation wasn’t great, but I was only myself to blame in that respect.  

“I let other things get into my head that I shouldn’t have done. It’s about rectifying that and moving on from there. I always want to push on and be better than what I have been.”  

Smith has been boosted by re-signing with Unicorn and is now aiming to climb back up the PDC Order of Merit.  

He revealed: “I’m over the moon with it, to be fair. Unicorn have been brilliant with me for the past two years. 

“I’m delighted and I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming up with them as well.There’s maybe some new products and stuff like that. 

“Having a big brand behind you and the constant help and continuity is a help, without a shadow of a doubt. 

“At the end of the day, you know you ain’t got to worry about certain products and stuff like that. If I ever need anything, they send it to me straight away.” 

Things are already looking on the up for the Dover ace after he reached the semi-finals of the Players Championship two. 

Smith returns to action this week at the Uk Open in Butlins, Minehead.  

Image by Taylor Lanning.