Darts star admits he is considering incredible career change after ‘turning into a bit of a hippie’

Ross Smith has admitted he sometimes finds himself searching for HGV driving jobs whenever his form at the oche dips.

Known as “Smudger,” Smith already has a title to his name this season after winning Players Championship Six.

However, the former European champion revealed that the pressure he places on himself can quickly spiral when results do not go his way.

Before becoming a full-time professional darts player, Smith spent years driving lorries, and he says that old career still crosses his mind during difficult periods.

He said: “At the start of this year, during the first couple of Players Championships and events like that, I honestly thought I was rubbish.

“I was a bit nervy trying to get off to a good start and probably put too much pressure on myself.

“I’m a bit like that if I’m honest. I start looking up HGV jobs. I genuinely do. I’m absolutely mental with certain things.”

Smith also revealed that daily swims in the sea have helped him mentally reset and improve his performances at the oche.

He added: “I’ve been swimming in the sea every day. I go into the sauna and then straight into the sea.

“I’m just enjoying the simple things in life now. I’ve probably turned into a bit of a hippie.

“Life’s short. Enjoy it. Be grateful. I’m grateful to be here and grateful for the opportunity that darts has given me. I’m just happy in life.”

The Dover thrower endured a difficult start to the year, suffering a first-round exit at the PDC World Darts Championship before crashing out in the second round of the World Masters.

The world No.14 was also knocked out in the fifth round of the UK Open after losing 10–8 to Daryl Gurney.

Now 37, Smith is hoping to turn his strong ProTour form into a deep run on the sport’s biggest stages.

He continued: “It’s difficult obviously, but for me it’s just about doing the best I can.

“Every tournament I enter, I want to win it and I believe I can win it — otherwise why would I be here?

“I know it’s not at the levels of what Phil Taylor has done or what Michael van Gerwen has achieved, but I believe I can win any tournament because I’ve won tournaments before.

“Yeah, I love being the underdog. Who doesn’t?

“For me there’s no pressure when I’m playing Luke Humphries, Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen or players like that.”