Ross Smith battles Filip Bereza in Players Championship 24 first round

Ross Smith opens his Players Championship 24 campaign against Filip Bereza on 8 July 2026 in Leicester, marking his first round appearance in a ProTour event that also features Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Beau Greaves.

Who is Ross Smith facing?

The Scottish qualifier draws Filip Bereza, a rising talent from the Czech Republic, in a best-of-11 legs opener. Both players entered the tournament with modest rankings, but the draw pits Smith’s experience against Bereza’s recent surge on the European circuit. The match is scheduled for the early afternoon session on the first day of the three-day event.

Why the pairing matters for Smith’s season

A win would push Smith into the last-16, where the prize money and ranking points increase sharply. At 31, he is chasing a top-32 spot on the Players Championship Order of Merit, a threshold that guarantees entry to the World Championship. A strong showing against Bereza could also boost his confidence ahead of the upcoming UK Open qualifiers.

Which stars share the stage?

The Leicester draw is stacked. Beau Greaves opens against Owen Bates, while Michael van Gerwen meets Tom Bissell. Gary Anderson faces Cor Dekker, and Peter Wright takes on James Hurrell. Other notable names include Stephen Bunting versus Brendan Dolan, Dave Chisnall against Greg Ritchie, and Raymond van Barreveld versus Jack Tweddell. The field reflects a mix of seasoned veterans and emerging prospects.

What to watch after the opening round?

If Smith advances, his next opponent will be decided by the outcome of the match between Rob Cross and Leon Weber. Cross, the winner of Players Championship 22, is a proven floor-breaker and could present a sterner test. Smith’s ability to maintain scoring consistency and finish doubles under pressure will be key as the draw tightens.

How the event fits into the ProTour calendar

Players Championship 24 is the 24th floor tournament of the 2026 PDC ProTour, held at the Morningside Leisure Centre in Leicester. The event runs from 8 to 10 July and offers a total prize fund of £140,000. Performances here feed directly into the Order of Merit, influencing qualification for the World Championship and the upcoming Players Championship Finals.

What fans can expect live

The first-round action, including Smith’s clash with Bereza, will be streamed on the PDC’s official platform and broadcast on regional sports channels. Commentary will feature former champion Michael Smith, who often highlights the tactical nuances of early-round matchups. Viewers should keep an eye on checkout percentages, as they frequently decide tight legs in best-of-11 formats.

Final note on Smith’s prospects

A solid start against Bereza could set the tone for Smith’s weekend. The Scottish player has shown flashes of high scoring in recent qualifiers, and a steady performance in Leicester might propel him into the tournament’s deeper rounds. The next few days will reveal whether his form can translate into a deep run amid a field packed with former world champions.