Shocking Early Exit for World No. 12
Ross Smith’s PDC World Darts Championship woes continue after he missed six match darts and spurned a 2-1 lead against Andreas Harrysson to become the first seed to lose this year, going out 3-2. The English professional, nicknamed ‘Smudger’, suffered a devastating blow at Alexandra Palace on Friday night, falling victim to a remarkable performance from the 50-year-old Swedish debutant.
A Match That Slipped Away
The 36-year-old Smith, 2022 European champion and winner of two Players Championships in 2025, entered the match as the clear favourite. After establishing a 2-1 set advantage, Smith appeared poised to advance. However, in the fourth set, with the match within reach, he failed on six consecutive attempts at double 16, allowing Harrysson to level at 2-2. The Swedish veteran capitalised on these missed opportunities with clinical finishing, ultimately securing a memorable victory.
Smith’s 2025 Season and Future Prospects
Despite this early exit, Smith has enjoyed notable success in 2025. Ross Smith clinched his second ProTour title of 2025 at Players Championship 29, overcoming Josh Rock – who hit a nine-darter on route to Wednesday’s thrilling final in Leicester. His moment in the spotlight came in 2022 when he claimed his first major title at the European Championship, defeating Michael Smith in the final.
What This Means for the Championship
Smith had never made it past the third round at Ally Pally, and this latest setback continues his struggles at the sport’s biggest stage. Ross Smith, on the other hand, returns to the Pro Tour circuit in January, aiming for Grand Slam. For Harrysson, the victory represents a career highlight, whilst for Smith, the focus now shifts to rebuilding momentum ahead of 2026.
