Ross Smith believes he definitely deserves a Premier League debut on current form, having secured a second TV major title of the season at the Machineseeker European Championship.
Smith joined Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor, Rob Cross, and Peter Wright as a multiple winner of the European Championship, following his 2022 success by defeating Martin Schindler 11-8 in the final in Dortmund on Sunday.
The Englishman’s latest victory adds to September’s World Series Finals success and moves him to a career-high world No 6 in the PDC Order of Merit, having also won two European Tour and two Players Championship titles this season.
European Championship Success
Smith’s win in the European Championship final came after he fired a 107 average during his 10-6 quarter-final victory over Luke Woodhouse at the Westfallenhalle and saw off Gerwyn Price 11-7 in the last four, recovering from 4-1 down to reach a third TV final.
He then denied Schindler a home victory, winning the final 11-8.
Premier League Debut Hopes
Smith is hopeful that his impressive campaign will bolster his chances of being selected – if not qualifying automatically – for a Premier League debut next season. Smith stated that he is deserving of a Premier League spot in 2027, saying: “Yes, at the moment, definitely.”
Smith believes he can beat anybody, but he’s also realistic enough to know that if he doesn’t turn up, he’s going to get beaten. He said: “I believe I can beat anybody but I’m also realistic enough that if I don’t turn up, I’m going to get done as well.”
Smith’s next chance to pick up ranking points will be at the Grand Slam of Darts, which will be live on Sky Sports from November 14-22, and the World Darts Championship, which will be live from December 11-January 3.
