Ross Smith launched his 2026 Betfred World Matchplay journey on Monday 20 July at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, by defeating Kevin Doets 10‑6 in a first‑round showdown. The victory gave the Englishman an early boost in a tournament where the schedule could shift if England reaches the FIFA World Cup final.
How did the match unfold?
Smith started brightly, taking the first three legs and establishing a 3‑0 lead within the opening minute. Doets fought back to 3‑3, but Smith’s heavy scoring and clinical finishing saw him pull ahead to 6‑4 by the mid‑session break. After a brief lull, Smith sealed the match with a double 16, closing out the contest at 10‑6 and advancing to the second round.
Why is this win important for Smith?
The win comes at a pivotal moment for Smith, who entered the event as the 12th seed in a field of 32. A strong start improves his chances of navigating the tough draw that includes Luke Humphries vs Cameron Menzies and Michael van Gerwen vs Andrew Gilding later in the week. A deep run could see Smith climb the PDC Werner Rankings Ladder, especially with the prize fund now at £1 million and the winner’s share at £225,000.
What does the schedule look like next?
Smith’s next opponent will be decided after the second‑round matches on Tuesday 21 July. If he continues his form, a potential clash with a top‑four seed looms in the quarter‑finals. The tournament’s timing remains fluid; should England reach the FIFA World Cup final, the first three sessions could be moved forward, meaning Smith might face a revised timetable.
How does this fit into the broader Matchplay narrative?
The 2026 edition features the top 16 from the PDC Werner Rankings and the best 16 from the one‑year ProTour rankings. Defending champion Luke Littler aims for back‑to‑back titles, while Michael van Gerwen seeks to add another trophy to his cabinet. Smith’s early win adds another storyline to a field already brimming with talent and high stakes.
What are fans saying?
Social media buzz highlighted Smith’s composure under pressure. One fan noted, “Smith’s checkout on the 12th leg was pure class – a double 12 that left Doets no chance.” Another pointed out his steady averages, which hovered around 95.2 throughout the match, suggesting he’s in good rhythm for the rounds ahead.
What’s next for the tournament?
The World Matchplay continues through 26 July, with the final slated for the weekend. Organisers have confirmed contingency plans: if England reaches the World Cup final, Saturday’s evening session could start at 1 pm, and Sunday’s afternoon slot could shift to 7 pm. Ticket holders will be automatically re‑allocated to the new times, ensuring fans don’t miss any action.
Ross Smith’s opening triumph sets a promising tone for his Blackpool campaign, and with the draw still wide open, the next few days promise high‑octane darts drama.