ROSS SMITH has vowed to start a new chapter after his shock exit at the World Championships. The darts world No.18 was dumped out of the tournament by Filipino thrower Paolo Nebrida in December. Smith, 36, lost the second-round tie by three legs as he fell well below expectations.
![[Ross Smith at the 2024 Grand Slam of Darts.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/NINTCHDBPICT000948147296.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
The Dover ace has admitted that the period of time was "really tough". However, he is keen to "push on" and improve from where he was at the oche. Smith said: “Late December and early January was really tough, if I’m honest. “I’m still chasing just that next level again all the time.
![[Paolo Nebrida of the Philippines celebrates during a darts match.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/paolo-nebrida-philippines-reacts-first-958367398.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
“I’m not going to beat about the bush, my preparation wasn’t great, but I was only myself to blame in that respect. “I let other things get into my head that I shouldn't have done. "It’s about rectifying that and moving on from there. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS.
“I always want to push on and be better than what I have been.". Smith has been boosted by re-signing with Unicorn and is aiming to climb back up the PDC Order of Merit. He said: "I’m over the moon with it, to be fair. "Unicorn have been brilliant with me for the past two years.
"I’m delighted and I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming up with them as well. "There’s maybe some new products and stuff like that. "Having a big brand behind you and the constant help and continuity is a help, without a shadow of a doubt.
"At the end of the day, you know you ain't got to worry about certain products and stuff like that. "If I ever need anything, they send it to me straight away.". BELOW is a list of darts world champions by year. The list does not include winners from the pre-Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) era or BDO world champions.