Ross Smith has vowed to build on his recent success as he targets back-to-back televised titles at the BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix in Leicester. Smith returns to the Mattioli Arena fresh from lifting the World Series of Darts Finals title earlier this month – his second Premier event triumph following his European Championship win […]
Ross Smith has vowed to build on his recent success as he targets back-to-back televised titles at the BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix in Leicester.
Smith returns to the Mattioli Arena fresh from lifting the World Series of Darts Finals title earlier this month – his second Premier event triumph following his European Championship win in 2022.
The 37-year-old registered a hat-trick of ton-topping averages en route to glory in Amsterdam, overcoming Kevin Doets, Daryl Gurney, Josh Rock, Gian van Veen and Gerwyn Price to take the title.
“I was overwhelmed,” conceded Smith, who averaged 103.89 to dispatch Price 11-5 in the Dutch capital.
“All I will say is hard work pays off, doesn’t it?
“I was over the moon. This is my best year in the sport, without a doubt.
“You’ve only got to look at the stats and the rankings. I think I’m sitting fourth in the year-to-date rankings, so I’m obviously doing something right.”
Smith also occupies top spot on the 2026 European Tour rankings courtesy of victories in Riesa and Budapest, while he was also a runner-up to James Wade in Antwerp earlier this month.
The former European Champion suffered back-to-back opening round exits on his World Series of Darts debut just a month prior, but his recent exploits underline the resilience he possesses.
“Bouncing back from the World Series in the way I have – I’ve won a title, made the quarter-finals, a final and then won again, so I’m on the right path,” Smith added.
“I’m definitely confident, but at the same time I will be boring and just go back to the practice board and get ready to play Cammy.
“That is what it’s about. That’s what the greats always say – forget that and now get on with the next one.”
However, Smith faces a tough opening night assignment against an in-form Menzies, who celebrated his fourth ranking title at Players Championship 29 last Tuesday.
The Scottish number two defeated the Dutch trio of Wessel Nijman, Doets and Van Veen to prevail in Den Bosch, and he’s now eyeing another strong showing in this year’s unique double-start event.
“I feel like I’m learning my trade slowly,” insisted Menzies, a World Grand Prix quarter-finalist 12 months ago.
“I think this is my fifth year on the tour and I’ve won four ProTours. That’s not bad I suppose!
“My aim is to make a good life for myself. That’s the aim that I think is achievable, but winning a major would be amazing.
“I would like to end the year on a high because I had a poor start to this season and I was struggling with my hand.
“I’ve put more effort in this year than I ever have because I nearly lost it all and I’m grateful to be in this position.
“I’ve been on the other side of things on the Challenge Tour and I know how hard it is to get here, so I don’t want to take it for granted.”
Monday’s opening night will also see reigning champion Luke Littler kick off his title defence against leading ProTour qualifier Luke Woodhouse, while six-time champion Michael van Gerwen meets 2024 semi-finalist Ryan Joyce.
Former champions Gerwyn Price and Jonny Clayton will face Polish duo Sebastian Bialecki and Krzysztof Ratajski respectively, with 2022 runner-up Nathan Aspinall pitted against Doets.
2026 BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix
Monday September 28 (1800 BST)
Round One x8
Danny Noppert v Niko Springer
Ross Smith v Cameron Menzies
Nathan Aspinall v Kevin Doets
Jonny Clayton v Krzysztof Ratajski
Gerwyn Price v Sebastian Bialecki
Michael van Gerwen v Ryan Joyce
Luke Littler v Luke Woodhouse
Wessel Nijman v Rob Cross