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'I heard Devon say he favoured the other guy': Jeff Smith jokes Petersen spurred him onto MODUS Champions Week

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated May 19, 2025 10:53 AM ET

Jeff Smith has won the first week of play in Series 11 of the MODUS Super Series. The 49-year-old Canadian defeated Danny Ayres 4-3 in the final. For Smith, a former finalist at the BDO World Championship, it is the first time he has managed to win a playing week of the MODUS Super Series.

Smith, who had a PDC Tour Card until 2023, was active in Group A of the MODUS Super Series last week. 'The Silencer' managed to win this group, which was completed from Monday to Wednesday, and was therefore free on Thursday and Friday.

"I'd rather be lucky than good. The stars must've aligned tonight. Didn't have my A-game by any means. Semi-Final I was actually not bad. But that was only because I heard Devon say he favoured the other guy and I was like I'm going to prove him wrong," said Smith.

"I had lots of time in the hotel room (between winning the group). Paid attention every time, I want to know what the players weaknesses are, what to do, when to hit, when not to hit. There's a lot of players here that impressed me this week."

This weekly title also immediately qualifies Smith for Champions Week, in which the 12 weekly winners of Series 11 will compete against each other for the top prize of 20,000 pounds. "I'll hit the practice board hard and make sure I'm ready to go and hopefully we can do some damage here as well."

Analyst Devon Petersen, himself a former pro darter, was also impressed with Smith. "Based on performance wise, it's quite a challenge the Group A doesn't generally come through due to the break. We know Jeff and the level he is playing at. Bouncing back after that second day you knew something was going to happen. David Evans was a performance of the week but certainly Jeff Smith is a deserved winner."

Murschell

Smith is therefore looking forward to what the rest of the year has in store for him teaming with Dawson Murschell in the International Pairs. "I can't wait, Dawson hasn't been on the scene for a while. He shows up, he went back to school and got his thing done but he still shows up at a tournament and demolishes everyone. He's kind of my protege from years back and he's done well for himself. But I'm looking forward to seeing him again."

"I'd rather be lucky than good..."

Lucky for you Jeff, you're pretty good!

The Week 1 Champion reflects on the week with Chris Murphy and Devon Petersen! ️ pic.twitter.com/xReRjmqGPe
— MODUS Super Series (@MSSdarts) May 17, 2025