Ross Smith has declared he will never complain about the demanding darts tour schedule, drawing a stark comparison to his previous career as a lorry driver. The Englishman, speaking after a European Tour victory in Poland, emphasized his gratitude for his current profession, stating, "I'll tell you what, it was hard work being a lorry driver." Smith, who also worked in a supermarket, highlighted the incredible money on offer in darts now and said the only way he'd withdraw from a tournament is if he were seriously ill, not due to tiredness or busyness.
Smith's comments followed a convincing win over two-time world champion Daryl Gurney in Poland, a result he felt was significant given Gurney had beaten him in their last couple of stage meetings. He led 5-0 but remained wary, noting, "Even at 5-0, I know he can pull it back if I'm not on my game." Smith, who won a Players Championship last week, is cautiously optimistic about his form, having moved from world number 16 to 15, though he faces tough draws like Luke Humphries. He backs himself against top players, saying of Luke Littler, "I think I play bloody well against him. He brings the best out of me."
The European Tour events are crucial for Smith, who described them as "absolutely massive," noting that one win there is virtually equivalent to a semi-final in a Players Championship event. He praised the new Polish tournament, with crowds of 2,000 to 3,000 per session, for its respectful atmosphere and potential for growth. Reflecting on his journey, Smith said, "I remember being in the holiday camps and stuff like that to now playing in Poland in arenas like this. It's absolutely incredible and I feel like I'm dreaming, so I'm very grateful."
