Ross Smith: I deserve a Premier League debut

English darts player Ross Smith won the Machineseeker European Championship for the second time, beating Martin Schindler 11-8 in the final in Dortmund. The win came two months after he claimed the World Series of Darts Finals. With this result, Smith joined the ranks of players such as Michael van Gerwen, Phil Taylor, Rob Cross and Peter Wright as a multiple European Championship winner.

Smith also won two European Tour titles and two Players Championship titles this season. These results lifted him to world number six in the PDC Order of Merit, the highest point of his career. The 37-year-old believes this performance will give him a chance of being invited to the 2027 Premier League.

Speaking at the post-match press conference, Smith was clear on the subject. He said the Premier League squad was not in his hands, and that he would be very happy to receive a phone call or email from the organisers. Otherwise, he said, he will keep working next year. The player also said he aims to break into the world's top four in the rankings.

Smith's upcoming opportunities include the Grand Slam of Darts, held from 14 to 22 November, and the World Darts Championship. Having been knocked out early at the World Championship last year, Smith wants to climb the rankings through these tournaments.