The PDC ProTour circuit delivered another memorable moment of camaraderie and banter at Players Championship 5, held at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester. In a day filled with high-stakes darts action, Ross Smith emerged victorious, claiming his seventh ProTour title—and eighth PDC ranking title overall—with a dominant 8-2 win over Chris Dobey in the final.
Smith, the world No. 15 known as ‘Smudger,’ produced a commanding performance when it mattered most. He averaged an impressive 104.24 in the final, firing five maximum 180s along the way, and maintained a strong tournament average of 99.25. His path to the title included a solid 6-3 victory over Dave Chisnall in the quarter-finals, where he averaged 97.42, followed by a 7-4 semi-final triumph against Karel Sedlacek. This level of consistency highlighted Smith’s current form on the floor events, positioning him as one of the most reliable performers outside the major televised stages.
Reflecting on his success after the match, Smith spoke with evident satisfaction about his mindset and execution. “I’ve just played consistently well today,” he said. “I rode my luck a little bit today, but to win a title like this, you need a bit of luck along the way unless you are playing exceptional.” He acknowledged his opponent’s quality, noting, “We all know how good Chris is. He’s one of the best players in the world, so I’m just grateful to beat him.” Smith admitted that Dobey “didn’t turn up” on the day despite his reputation, but emphasized his own relaxed state: “I felt really relaxed today. It’s the best I’ve felt this year, so I’m really happy with the win.”
The £15,000 first-place prize money added to the triumph, marking Smith’s seventh consecutive year of securing at least one Players Championship title. He expressed growing confidence in his game, stating, “I’m confident in my game. I know that anyone who plays me is going to have to play really well to beat me.” Looking ahead, he added, “I know what I’m capable of. If I keep playing like this and hold onto this feeling, more chances will come.”
The victory came shortly after a disappointing early exit for Smith at the World Darts Championship, where he fell in the opening round to Andreas Harryson. The ProTour win provided a welcome boost, and Smith credited a period of settling back in after recent weeks where he had felt “nervy.” His calm approach was evident throughout the tournament, allowing him to capitalize on opportunities and deliver when the pressure was on.
Adding to the light-hearted atmosphere of the day was a classic piece of darts rivalry banter during Smith’s post-match interview. As he fielded questions and discussed the importance of beating whoever stands in front of him, Joe Cullen—lingering nearby in an adjacent streaming area—began heckling his fellow pro from the background. Cullen’s playful interruptions disrupted the flow, prompting laughter from Smith at first.
But as the jesting continued, Smith turned toward the noise and shouted back firmly yet jokingly, “Will you shut up?” The exchange brought a humorous halt to the interview momentarily before Smith brushed it off and carried on with his reflections. The moment captured the spirit of the ProTour—intense competition on stage paired with good-natured ribbing off it—between two respected players who share the circuit’s highs and lows.
Cullen, the 2022 PDC World Champion nicknamed ‘Rockstar,’ is no stranger to colorful moments in the sport, and his cheeky intervention added a fun layer to an otherwise dominant day for Smith. In the world of professional darts, where precision and focus are everything, these brief flashes of personality remind fans why the ProTour events often feel like a close-knit community showdown. Smith’s title win, bolstered by sharp darts and a resilient attitude, sets an exciting tone for the rest of the 2026 season, while the playful exchange with Cullen ensures the day won’t soon be forgotten.
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