Ross Smith has once again proven his elite status in the darts world, clinching the Players Championship 5 title with a stunning display of consistency and power. In a dramatic final, he overcame a resilient Chris Dobey, who himself delivered a rare nine-dart finish earlier in the day. Smith’s victory marks his fourth consecutive year winning a PDC Players Championship title, solidifying his reputation as a formidable force on the circuit. This recap covers all the key moments, from Smith’s dominant averages to Dobey’s moment of perfection, and the surprising early exits of top seeds.
Smith’s Dominant Path to Glory
Ross “Smudger” Smith showcased an incredible level of performance throughout Players Championship 5 at the Mattioli Arena in Leicester. His day average of 99.25 was impressive, but he truly peaked in the final, hitting an astonishing 103.24 average to secure the £15,000 top prize. This win extends his remarkable streak of winning a PDC Players Championship title in each of the last four years.
A Masterclass in Consistency
- He began with solid 6-3 wins against emerging talent Justin Hood and Cor Dekker.
- His most dominant performance came against former PDC World Champion Michael Smith, whom he dispatched 6-1 with a phenomenal 106.38 average. This match underlined his intent and form.
- Further comprehensive victories followed against Niko Springer and Dave Chisnall, paving his way to the semi-finals.
- In the semi-final, Smith ended Karel Sedlacek’s career-best run with a decisive 7-4 win.
The Electrifying Final: Smith vs. Dobey
The final pitted Smith against Chris “Hollywood” Dobey, who was aiming for his second Players Championship title in as many weeks. However, Smith started with an unmatchable intensity, immediately taking control:
- Smith roared out of the gates, reeling off five consecutive legs without reply.
- This early surge included lightning-fast 11 and 12-dart legs and a superb 147 checkout, leaving Dobey struggling to keep pace.
Dobey managed to respond with back-to-back legs, hinting at a potential comeback. Yet, Smith quickly extinguished any hopes, securing another pair of 14-dart legs and a clinical 106 checkout to seal a convincing victory.
Smith’s Winning Mentality
Reflecting on his triumph, Smith highlighted his consistent play and relaxed approach:
“I’ve just played consistently well today… I rode my luck a little bit today, but to win a title like this, you need a bit of luck along the way.”
He also acknowledged his opponent’s calibre: “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.”
His confidence is clear: “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.”
Dobey’s Dazzling Run and the Perfect Nine-Darter
Despite the final loss, Chris Dobey had an exceptional tournament, highlighted by a moment of pure darting magic. His journey to the final included strong performances and resilience:
- He began with a dominant 6-1 win over Cristo Reyes.
- The tournament’s most memorable moment came in his 6-3 victory over Ricky Evans, where Dobey achieved the ultimate feat in darts: a perfect nine-dart finish in the opening leg. This rare accomplishment involves hitting 180, 180, and then a 141 checkout (e.g., Treble 20, Treble 19, Double 12) with just nine darts, showcasing pinpoint accuracy.
Dobey continued to battle through tough matches, needing deciding legs to overcome both Kevin Doets (defying an impressive 108.77 average from Doets) and Danny Noppert. He then secured a dominant 6-0 whitewash against Christian Kist before winning a hard-fought semi-final against Joe Cullen 7-4.
Tournament Surprises and What’s Next
The Players Championship 5 also saw some unexpected early exits, demonstrating the depth of talent in the PDC:
- Premier League stars Gerwyn Price, Jonny Clayton, and Josh Rock all suffered shock first-round defeats. Price was beaten 6-2 by Adam Lipscombe, while Clayton and Rock lost in dramatic last-leg deciders.
The darts action in Leicester continues swiftly, with the second event of the double-header, PDC Players Championship 6, scheduled for Wednesday. Another 128 players will compete for the same £15,000 top prize, promising more thrilling encounters.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
