Ross Smith secured his second ProTour title of 2025 by defeating Josh Rock in a nail-biting final at the Players Championship 29 held in Leicester. This victory marks a significant achievement for Smith, who demonstrated remarkable skill and resilience throughout the tournament, especially in the final match.
After missing the Swiss Darts Trophy due to family commitments, Smith returned with determination, showcasing his talent by posting four ton-plus averages. Notably, he recorded an impressive average of 106 to dominate Michael van Gerwen in the last 16. Smith’s journey to the final began with a solid performance, averaging 104 against Berry van Peer, followed by convincing wins over Jamai van den Herik and Lukas Wenig.
Final Match Highlights
In the final, Smith faced a tough challenge against Northern Ireland’s Rock, who had previously made headlines by hitting a nine-darter during Round Three against Wesley Plaisier. The match saw Smith trailing at various points, being down 6-4 and later 7-5. However, his tenacity shone through as he rallied to secure an 8-7 victory, capped off by a crucial 118 checkout in the deciding leg. This emotional win follows Smith’s earlier triumph during the Players Championship 16 in May.
Rock’s path to the final included notable victories over Dirk van Duijvenbode, Danny Noppert, and Gary Anderson, demonstrating his own formidable skills throughout the day. His nine-darter was the only one of the day, further highlighting the competitive nature of the event.
Players Championship 29 Results
The tournament featured various exciting matches leading up to the final. Here are some key results from the last 16, quarter-finals, and semi-finals:
Last 16 Results:
– Ryan Meikle 6-5 Stephen Bunting
– Ross Smith 6-0 Michael van Gerwen
– Wessel Nijman 6-5 Martin Schindler
– Jonny Clayton 6-3 Mike De Decker
– Gary Anderson 6-5 Darryl Pilgrim
– Luke Humphries 6-5 Cameron Menzies
– Josh Rock 6-3 Dirk van Duijvenbode
– Danny Noppert 6-2 Niels Zonneveld
Quarter-finals:
– Ross Smith 6-4 Ryan Meikle
– Wessel Nijman 6-0 Jonny Clayton
– Gary Anderson 6-5 Luke Humphries
– Josh Rock 6-2 Danny Noppert
Semi-finals:
– Ross Smith 7-3 Wessel Nijman
– Josh Rock 7-4 Gary Anderson
The Players Championship 29 was not only a showcase of individual talent but also a testament to the excitement and unpredictability of professional darts. Smith’s victory adds to his growing reputation in the sport, as he continues to demonstrate his ability to perform under pressure.
