“I feel like I lost” – Ross Smith highly self-critical despite setting up showdown with Luke Littler at Players Championship Finals

Ross Smith booked his place in the next round of the Players Championship Finals, but the former European Champion admitted he walked off stage feeling more frustrated than satisfied. Despite securing the win he needed, Smith said his performance fell well below his expectations — even describing it as a match that “felt like a loss.”

Smith, known for his sharp scoring and fiery competitiveness, was brutally honest in his post-match assessment, revealing that he struggled to settle despite ultimately doing enough to progress.

Smith: “I just wasn’t good enough”

Speaking immediately after the match, Smith didn’t try to hide his disappointment.

“I feel like I lost. I really do,” he said.
“Even though I’m through, that wasn’t anywhere near the level I know I can play at. It was a grind, and I’m not happy with how it went.”

The victory sets up a high-profile clash with World No.1 Luke Littler, but Smith made it clear he can’t afford another display like this one.

“If I play like that against Luke, I’m in trouble. He punishes everything. I need to reset, refocus, and come out playing the darts I know I’m capable of.”

Pressure Rising Ahead of Littler Showdown

Smith’s candour reflects the reality many players face when preparing to meet Littler — the teenage superstar who has transformed the sport with his relentless scoring and ruthless consistency.

While most players celebrate reaching the next round, Smith’s frustration highlights how much the standard has risen at major events. Simply getting through isn’t enough anymore when a player like Littler awaits.

Observers said Smith looked tense on stage, taking extra time between throws and showing visible signs of irritation. Though he did produce moments of brilliance, his inconsistency kept the contest closer than it needed to be.

A Reset Before the Biggest Test

Smith insisted he will use the time before facing Littler to regroup:

“I’ve got to take the positives — I’m still in the tournament. But mentally, I have to be sharper. Luke is No.1 for a reason, and if I want to beat him, I’ve got to raise everything: scoring, finishing, mindset.”

Fans Back Smith to Rebound

Despite his tough self-assessment, fans on social media praised his honesty and backed him to come back stronger:

• “If Ross settles early, he can give anyone a game.”
• “He’s too hard on himself — the next match will fire him up.”
• “Smith vs. Littler could be fireworks.”

With a place in the later rounds on the line, the Littler–Smith showdown is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament — and Smith’s emotional reaction only adds fuel to the build-up.