Ross Smith powered to his eighth PDC ranking title with an emphatic 8-2 victory over Chris Dobey at Players Championship Five in Leicester.
Averaging 104.24 and landing five 180s, Smith dominated Tuesday’s final at the Mattioli Arena to collect the £15,000 top prize. The former European Champion posted a 99.25 tournament average to secure his first title of 2026.
“I’ve just played consistently well today,” reflected Smith.
“I rode my luck a little bit today, but to win a title like this, you need a bit of luck along the way.
“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.
“I felt really relaxed today. It’s the best I’ve felt this year, so I’m really happy with the win.
“I’m confident in my game. I know that anyone who plays me is going to have to play really well to beat me, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Smith began with 6-3 wins over Justin Hood and Cor Dekker, before averaging 106.38 in a 6-1 demolition of Michael Smith. Further victories against Niko Springer and Dave Chisnall preceded a semi-final success over Karel Sedlacek.
The final began in blistering fashion, Smith reeling off five straight legs, including a 147 checkout. Dobey briefly rallied, but Smith sealed victory with a clinical burst featuring a 106 finish.
Dobey impressed en route, producing a nine-darter against Ricky Evans and edging past Kevin Doets and Danny Noppert in deciding legs.
Smith’s triumph lifts him to fourth in the Players Championship standings, while Dobey climbs to second.
Source: PDC.TV
