Ross Smith continued his sensational 2026 campaign by defeating William O'Connor 8-5 to win Players Championship 20 in Milton Keynes, collecting his 10th career PDC ranking title.
The final showcased Smith's blistering form as he averaged 107.01 and nailed 73% of his doubles, a performance that underlines his status as one of the sport's most lethal finishers this season. O'Connor, who had averaged 108 in a win over Smith just the day before in PC19, could not replicate that magic despite pushing his opponent.
Smith seized the initiative early with an 11-dart break of throw, but O'Connor responded to level at 2-2. From there, the Englishman shifted gears, winning three legs in 14, 15, and 13 darts to build a 4-2 advantage. Though the Irishman battled, Smith was unshakeable on his own throw, holding with legs of 12, 11, and 13 darts to inch ahead 7-5. He sealed victory with a clinical two-dart 84 checkout, his 73% success rate on the outer ring proving decisive.
The road to the final was not without its tests. Smith opened the day with a commanding 6-0 whitewash of Dominik Gruellich after seeing off Cor Dekker, and he dispatched Ian White 6-1 with a 101 average before elevating to a 108 average in a 6-2 thumping of Cristo Reyes. Quarter-final opponent Andy Boulton was dismissed 6-2, setting up a dramatic semi-final.
There, Smith faced young talent Henry Coates, who fought back from 6-3 down to force a decider. Smith had to survive three match darts before stumbling over the line 7-6, a reminder that even the finest can be pushed to the brink. That gritty escape perhaps steeled him for the final.
O’Connor’s campaign was equally commendable. He downed Wessel Nijman 6-4 in the last 16 before eliminating world number one Dave Chisnall 6-4 in the quarters. A 7-2 semi-final thrashing of Richard Veenstra marked his best run of the day. In the final, however, he ran into a relentless Smith.
Speaking after lifting the trophy, Smith reflected: "I'm buzzing to be fair. Willie is a fantastic player and an absolute gentleman. He smashed me yesterday with a 108 average, so that was almost payback there. I never would have thought I'd get to double figures in titles, so I'm really happy." His humility stood out, but so did his ambition.
Smith elaborated on his 2026 form: "We're in June now and I've already won three titles and been runner-up in another European Tour event, so I'm having a great year. For me it's just about staying in that top 16 and pushing towards the higher end of it. You've got to give yourself goals and keep pushing, and that's what I'm doing." That consistency has lifted him into the inner circle of the sport.
The victory marks Smith’s third PDC title in 2026, following his Players Championship 5 triumph in February and his maiden European Tour win at the International Darts Open last month. It also underscores a career renaissance for the 37-year-old, who first reached prominence as European Champion in 2022 but had sometimes struggled for consistency. His 10th title puts him in elite company, and his trajectory suggests more silverware is on the horizon.
For O’Connor, a first ranking title remains elusive despite a resurgence this season. His runs to the final and to the last 16 in successive Players Championship events show his class, and he will take heart from pushing Smith close. The Irishman’s day included notable scalps, underlining his threat on the ProTour.
From a broader perspective, Smith’s win solidifies his place in the world’s top 16, a key threshold that secures automatic entries to major events. His mentions of "pushing towards the higher end" signal a desire not just to consolidate but to climb further. With the World Cup of Darts starting on June 11 live on Sky Sports, momentum could not be better timed.
Ultimately, Players Championship 20 delivered a champion in vintage form. Ross Smith’s 10th title is a milestone that reflects both his talent and his tenacity. As the season unfolds, his name will feature prominently in conversations about title contenders for the biggest prizes.
Based on reporting from Sky Sports.