Kentish Express Ashford & District
Smith keeps focus after Worlds exit
Ross Smith is putting the disappointment of his World Darts Championship second round exit behind him as he focuses on a big year ahead. Smith lost 3-1 to reigning Grand Slam Champion and no.14 seed Jose de Sousa at Alexandra Palace on Thursday despite going a set up against the Portuguese player.
The 31-year-old Kent darts professional admitted he wasn’t at his best, in what was his fourth appearance at the PDC World Championship, but has vowed to put in the hours to improve.
“I knew I had more in my game but it didn’t quite happen,” Smith said. “I don’t think I played to the standard I had been playing to really. “I was disappointed with how I played, even in the first game (beating David Evans
3-0 in round one). I have been playing a lot better.
“I don’t think Jose played to his capability either and that was a missed opportunity for me.
“I will just prepare for the new season ahead which starts for me now, I am not going to have a month off or anything like that, like a lot of the players do, I am going to make sure I am ready.
“I really do think 2021 could be a good one. I am more confident than ever, I feel like
I am doing better every year anyway and going forward I know that I am going to be working even harder. I am working harder already and I will just continue it.
“I am treating darts like normal work now. Before I was probably doing a couple of hours a day, now I am stepping it up to six hours a day until we get back for the first tournament of the year. “I want to be kicking off the year with a great start.”