Jan Thoden/PDC Europe

'I believe I can win any major this year' - Ross Smith brimming with confidence heading into World Matchplay

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Ross Smith is brimming with confidence ahead of next week's World Matchplay at the legendary Winter Gardens in Blackpool. 'Smudger' is in great shape: he has already thrown two ninth darters this year, notched three whitewash victories in a row and won no fewer than 24 legs to take the title at Players Championship 16 in May.

The world number 14 also made his presence felt on the Euro Tour, with a final place at the Austrian Darts Open, confirming that he is off to an excellent 2025 season.

Smith, a former European champion, reached the quarterfinals in Blackpool last year, where he lost 10-6 to James Wade. Still, the man from Dover believes his best game is yet to come.

“I feel really confident. My game is in a really good place. I have got to a point now as long as I play really well the results will come," said Smith.

“If they don’t come and I play well then, I go to the next tournament.

Smith also looks ahead to the leaden list of unseeded players in Blackpool: “You look at that list of the 16 players that are not seeded at Blackpool you have Josh Rock on there.

“I played Josh first round last year and beat him but Josh Rock is absolute class.

“Martin Schindler is another and Daryl Gurney. Ryan Joyce has been fantastic in Europe this year so you won’t get any easy draw.

Still, Smith is clear about his ambitions: “I know full well I could win it. I have won a major and I know I could win another. “I believe I can win any major this year. Doing it is another thing. But the belief is there, and the game is there. You do need a bit of luck here and there but why not.”

In addition to his form, Smith also spoke out about the behavior of some fans whistling.

"The only time it can get to you is when they are whistling while you are throwing for a double. You sort of think just give it a rest. It’s our job we are not millionaires or multimillionaires.

“It’s not like we don’t need the money we do. I have a little lad and I am trying to pay for my house.

“So, it is hard work when you are playing and they are whistling.

“I don’t mind them booing or chanting stuff when I am playing against whoever. It does not bother me. I play people like Peter Wright or Michael van Gerwen and I start singing their chant when I am playing.

“It relaxes me. But the whistling when you are throwing at the double can be a pain. Hopefully one day the crowd takes a step back and maybe have some respect for the players.

“But at the same time they pay for their tickets like any other person does. I suppose you have it in football the amount of stick the crowd give the players.

“Maybe you just have to take it on the chin and learn to deal with it.”

️ “I know full well I could win it. I have won a major and I know I could win another. I believe I can win any major this year.”

Ross Smith believes he “can win any major this year” ahead of the World Matchplay.

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— Oche180 (@Oche180) July 10, 2025