Ross Smith enters World Matchplay with strong form but brutal draw looms

Ross Smith enters the 2026 World Matchplay as the 15th seed with eye-catching form guide numbers, but the draw has stacked the odds against him early.

What the stats say about Ross Smith

Based on the last 200 legs, Ross Smith ranks among the top performers in the PDC Form Guide. The statistician Christopher Kempf’s latest update places Smith alongside Wessel Nijman and Stephen Bunting as the standout names outside the top two of Luke Humphries and Luke Littler. Smith’s scoring efficiency-measured by his OChE Rating-ranks highly, reflecting his ability to convert scoring power into winning legs.

Why the draw could ruin Smith’s World Matchplay hopes

Seeded 15th, Smith’s path looks brutal. He could face world No. 1 Luke Humphries as early as the second round if Humphries overcomes Cameron Menzies in the opener. Humphries tops the Form Guide with a 102 average over his last 200 legs, nearly three points clear of Littler. A second-round clash would pit Smith against the in-form world champion in only his second match of the event.

How Smith stacks up against the field

Smith’s recent numbers compare well with the rest of the field. His OChE Rating sits among the highest, showing he turns scoring chances into legs efficiently. That puts him ahead of players like Gerwyn Price, whose 98 scoring average is dragged down by a 37.62% checkout rate. Only Humphries, Littler, Nijman, Bunting and Smith rank as the statistical leaders heading into Blackpool.

What comes next for Ross Smith

The World Matchplay begins on 19 July in Blackpool. Smith’s route hinges on Humphries’ progress, but the seedings mean he can’t avoid the top seed entirely. A deep run would require beating Humphries or Littler in a best-of-31-leg clash. Either way, Smith’s form suggests he can compete at the sharp end-if the draw allows it.