Darts veteran Vincent van der Voort has made an emphatic statement regarding Ross Smith’s qualifications for the prestigious Premier League Darts. Van der Voort firmly believes that Smith’s recent stellar performances, particularly his triumph at the European Championship, make him an undeniable candidate. He argues that to overlook Smith would be to intentionally disregard actual on-stage achievements, suggesting that selection criteria might then be based on factors other than pure performance. This stance highlights a growing debate within the darts community about how players are chosen for elite events.
The Undeniable Case for Ross Smith
Vincent van der Voort, known for his straightforward opinions, has left no room for ambiguity when discussing Ross Smith’s potential inclusion in the Premier League Darts. For Van der Voort, the argument is simple and clear: Ross Smith’s recent form and major title win speak for themselves.
A Champion’s Performance
The core of Van der Voort’s argument rests on Smith’s remarkable achievement at the European Championship. This was no minor victory; it was a significant major title that firmly established Smith among the elite. Winning a major championship is often seen as a golden ticket, a clear indicator of a player’s ability to perform under immense pressure and against the very best in the sport.
- European Championship Winner: This is Smith’s most compelling credential. Defeating top-tier players en route to a major title is an undeniable display of skill and temperament.
- Consistent High-Level Play: Beyond the major win, Smith has consistently shown his capability, reaching deep into other tournaments and proving he can compete at the highest level week in, week out.
“Ignoring Performance is a Mistake”
Van der Voort’s statement, “If you ignore this, you’re not looking at performance,” cuts directly to the heart of the selection dilemma. He implies that if the selectors for the Premier League Darts choose to bypass Smith, they would effectively be admitting that performance-based merit is not their primary consideration. This raises questions about the transparency and fairness of the selection process.
What Does Premier League Selection Mean?
The Premier League Darts is an invitational tournament, meaning players are chosen by the PDC (Professional Darts Corporation), not solely based on ranking. While rankings play a role, selectors often consider a mix of factors:
- Recent Form: How well a player has been performing in the past year.
- Major Titles: Winning prestigious tournaments.
- Star Power/Marketability: A player’s ability to draw crowds and TV viewers.
- Consistency: Regular appearances in finals or semi-finals.
Van der Voort’s point is that Ross Smith ticks the most crucial boxes, especially “Recent Form” and “Major Titles,” making his exclusion difficult to justify purely on sporting grounds.
The Darts Community Reacts
The debate surrounding Premier League selections is always lively, and Van der Voort’s strong endorsement of Ross Smith adds significant weight to the discussion. Many fans and pundits agree that a major winner like Smith should be a strong contender. To exclude a reigning European Champion would be a controversial decision, potentially sending a confusing message about what it takes to earn a spot in one of darts’ most coveted competitions.
Ultimately, the decision rests with the PDC. However, Vincent van der Voort has ensured that Ross Smith’s impressive achievements will not be easily overlooked, pushing for a selection based firmly on merit and performance.
Source: Based on an article from News – Dartfreakz.nl.
