Ross Smith advanced to the next round of the European Darts Grand Prix with a 6-3 victory over Cameron Menzies, but the Englishman delivered a blunt self-assessment after the match. Despite averaging around 96 and producing key moments of quality in a scrappy contest, Smith told Dartsnews.com, "It was a very frustrating game. I didn't feel comfortable tonight for some reason."
The former major winner described feeling "flat" throughout, a term often used when rhythm and fluency are missing. Both players struggled early, with missed doubles swinging momentum, before Smith steadied the contest with a crucial 106 checkout to regain control. "I felt a bit flat and maybe I was feeling sorry for myself at times when a few scores weren't going my way," he admitted.
Smith managed the closing stages effectively to pull clear, though he never fully found his best level. He pointed to possible external factors without conviction, suggesting, "It's hot and humid in the practice room, maybe that's got something to do with it slightly, I don't know." He added that his preparation had been strong, leaving no clear explanation: "It can just happen, to be fair. I've done everything right preparation-wise coming into this tournament, so there's no real reason for it."
Ultimately, Smith emphasized the priority was the result. "At the end of the day, I'm happy with the win and that's the most important thing," he said. Looking ahead, he concluded, "At the end of the day, I need to put a smile on my face, kick myself up the backside and get on with tomorrow."
