Ross Smith Eyeing Premier League Spot Amid Rival Analysis

Ross Smith, a two-time European Championship victor, is confident he deserves a spot in the upcoming 2027 Premier League. After clinching his title against Martin Schindler with an 11-8 score in Dortmund, he now finds himself among illustrious company as one of the few multi-European Championship winners. Smith's performance has also propelled him to a career-best ranking of world No. 6 in the PDC Order of Merit.

Smith's Strong Case for Premier League Selection

Reflecting on his recent achievements, Smith commented on his Premier League aspirations, stating, "Yes. At the moment, definitely." He acknowledged the remaining majors for the year would influence his final standing, but emphasized his accomplishments, stating, "I've won two majors, and I've been ranked No. 1 on the Order of Merit in Europe. I feel like I do, but again, I'm not the one who picks it!"

This season, Smith has triumphed in two European Tour events and two Players Championship titles. Notably, he showcased outstanding skills, defeating Luke Woodhouse with an impressive average of 107, before overcoming Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals.

Upcoming Challenges and Opportunities

Looking ahead, Smith targets more success at the Grand Slam of Darts, which could see him advance further in the rankings before the World Darts Championship in December. With three more major tournaments approaching—the Players Championship Finals in Minehead included—he has ample opportunities to secure valuable ranking points.

In his own words, "I believe I can beat anybody... There's many more majors coming up. Let's push forward and get in that top-four." His confidence is palpable as he aspires to solidify his status among the elite in darts.

Rivals in the Race for 2027 Premier League

However, Smith’s path to the Premier League will not be easy. He faces stiff competition from several formidable darts players.

Michael van Gerwen

Once hailed as a darts giant, Michael van Gerwen has found himself at a critical juncture in his career, currently ranked 13th in the PDC Order of Merit—thelowest for him since 2012. Having lost five consecutive matches, including defeats at key events like the Dutch Darts Championship, concerns over his form abound. Despite ongoing speculations about his eligibility for the 2027 Premier League, the PDC hasn't formally indicated a shift away from including him.

James Wade

In contrast, James Wade is experiencing a career revival. While this year he has reached the semi-finals of the World Grand Prix for the first time in nearly a decade and achieved a World Series title, his overall performance still falls short when compared to Smith's stellar run. Wade may have enjoyed some recent successes but his recent close losses could hinder his chances for a strong Premier League bid.

Stephen Bunting and Martin Schindler

As underdogs, both Stephen Bunting and Martin Schindler are contenders, albeit less likely choices for selection. Bunting sits at ninth in the Order of Merit, winning six out of his last ten matches, while Schindler, fresh from his loss to Smith in the European Championship, ranks 20th. Their potential might rise if they can perform well in the upcoming major events.

What Does the Future Hold?

The darts season is far from over, leaving many opportunities for players to vie for a Premier League spot. With the format of the 2027 Premier League still up in the air—a decision pending from PDC officials—speculation remains regarding who will ultimately make the cut. Should the structure remain the same, the top four players will gain automatic invitations, while four additional players will receive selections from the PDC.

Possible candidates in the mix include:

• Luke Littler
• Luke Humphries
• Gian van Veen
• Gerwyn Price
• Ross Smith
• James Wade
• Jonny Clayton
• Stephen Bunting

The future remains open, and with competitive stakes ahead, fans anticipate an exciting lead-up to the 2027 Premier League.