Former world champion Michael Smith says he plans to “play 100 per cent of tournaments” in 2027 after an opening win at the Swiss Darts Trophy.
‘Bully Boy’ Smith fought back from 3-1 down to beat Rob Owen, scoring 50 per cent of his doubles in just his fourth European Tour of the season.
“I missed that. I want to apologize and also make a promise in 2027 that I will play 100 percent of the tournaments. You will see me again,” said the 2023 world champion.
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See how Michael Smith overcame several obstacles to become World Darts Champion in 2023
Smith is chasing the final places in the European Championship race and the St Helens shooter beat Owen 6-4 to set up a meeting with Jermaine Wattimena for a place in Sunday’s action.
Rob Cross was Friday’s standout performer for the second consecutive event, averaging 105.95 in his 6-3 success against Mario Vandenbogaerde and will face Luke Woodhouse on the back of his excellent opening round performance at the World Grand Prix.
Bradley Brooks also produced a brilliant display of darts brilliance in his opening contest against Niels Zonneveld as the former world junior champion averaged over a ton in a 6-4 win over the World Grand Prix quarter-finalist in a game that saw both players average over a ton and reach a maximum of 13 between them.
Brooks has now won four of a possible four first round matches on this year’s European Tour and will face Chris Dobey for a place on the final day of action at the St Jakobshalle.
of Karel Sedlacek Hopes of sealing a place at the European Championships continue in Saturday’s action as he swept aside Sebastian Bialecki to stay alive in the race for a place in Dortmund later this month.
The Czech star averaged over a ton and came back from 4-3 down to beat the Pole 6-4, which included a superb 86 box for the bull to break the shootout for the first time in the competition.
Stefan Bellmont beat Andrew Gilding to send the Swiss crowd wild in Basel
Stephen Bellmont produced a superb performance on home soil in Basel as he created history by becoming the third Swiss player to win a match at the tournament as he beat Andrew Gilding 6-3.
The 37-year-old, making his tenth European Tour appearance of his career, holed five on the turn to defeat the former UK Open champion and has set his sights on a place in Saturday’s action.
“Playing in front of the home crowd is very special and I wanted to win so much.” Reflected Bellmont, who managed to win only his third match on the European tour and will face Krzysztof Ratajski in the second round.
“There were quite a few nerves in the early stages of the match, but luckily I was able to raise my game.
“I know I will have to play better tomorrow, but for now I just want to enjoy this wonderful moment.”
Mike Kuivenhoven ended a nearly five-year losing streak in Basel as the Dutchman beat compatriot Raymond van Barneveld 6-3 to deny van Barneveld his first European Tour win of the year.
Dave Chisnall AND Tom Bissell both secured last game victories in their opening contests against Alan Soutar and Joe Cullen respectively.
Christ of Kings A first European Tour win since May came in style as the Spaniard beat Scot Cameron Menzies with an average of 98 and will face Ryan Searle next.
The Swiss Darts Trophy continues with a double bumper session on Saturday as the 16 seeded teams go into battle on day two in Basel.
Swiss Darts Trophy 2026
Friday, October 9
First Round
Afternoon session
Bradley Brooks 6-4 Niels Zonneveld
William O’Connor 6-1 Jani Haavisto
Mensur Suljovic 6-3 Gyorgy Jehirszki
Karel Sedlacek 6-4 Sebastian Bialecki
Niko Springer 6-1 Roman Wellinger
Tom Bissell 6-5 Joe Cullen
Cristo Reyes 6-4 Cameron Menzies
Rob Cross 6-3 Mario Vandenbogaerde
Evening Session
Stefan Bellmont 6-3 Andrew Gilding
Jeffrey de Graaf 6-4 Sietse Lap
Dave Chisnall 6-5 Alan Soutar
Maik Kuivenhoven 6-3 Raymond van Barneveld
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Bruno Stoeckli
Michael Smith 6-4 Rob Owen
Damon Heta 6-2 Alex Fehlmann
Kevin Doets 6-3 Nick Kenny
Saturday, October 10
Second Round
Afternoon session (12:00)
Krzysztof Ratajski vs Stefan Bellmont
Wessel Nijman vs Karel Sedlacek
Luke Woodhouse vs Rob Cross
Martin Schindler vs. Tom Bissell
Ryan Searle vs Cristo Reyes
Ross Smith vs William O’Connor
Chris Dobey vs Bradley Brooks
Jermaine Wattimena vs Michael Smith
Evening session (18:00)
Josh Rock vs Dave Chisnall
Stephen Bunting vs Jeffrey De Graaf
James Wade vs Dirk van Duijvenbode
Jonny Clayton vs Maik Kuivenhoven
Michael van Gerwen vs Mensur Suljovic
Luke Humphries vs Kevin Doets
Gian van Veen vs Niko Springer
Danny Noppert vs. Damon Heta
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