Ross Smith Opens Matchplay Campaign with Win Over Kevin Doets
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.
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.
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**.
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.
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.
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.
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.