Ross Smith faces World Matchplay test against Kevin Doets on Monday

Ross Smith will test his Blackpool demons when he meets Kevin Doets in the first round of the Betfred World Matchplay on Monday, 20 July 2026.

What’s at stake for Ross Smith?

The Winter Gardens has been a graveyard for Smith in past Matchplay trips. He’s lost in the opening round in three of his four visits to Blackpool, and this year’s draw has paired him with Doets: a player riding a career-high wave. The Dutch qualifier has already claimed his first PDC title in April and reached his first European Tour final in June, while Smith arrives fresh off his first European Tour victory in May.

Why the betting market sides with Doets

Betting outfit Betfred’s tipster Sean Rafferty rates Doets at 4/5 to knock out Smith, citing a 96.37 average over the last six months versus Smith’s 95.86. Doets has also hit more 180s and boasts a stronger doubles checkout rate. Rafferty argues the unseeded Dutchman can treat the match as a free hit: he has no ranking points to defend this week.

How Smith’s recent form stacks up

Smith’s major-tournament CV remains thin beyond his 2022 European Championship title. He’s made just three quarter-finals or better in three other majors and hasn’t gone beyond the last 16 in his last ten attempts. His 95.86 average this year sits close to Doets’s, but the head-to-head edge goes to the Dutchman in Rafferty’s view.

What happens next if Smith loses?

A defeat would extend Smith’s woes at the Winter Gardens and leave him staring at another early exit in a tournament where he’s never progressed past the second round. Doets, meanwhile, would stride into the last 32 with momentum and no ranking points to lose.

Odds correct at time of publishing.