Ross Smith was compelled to cease his interview after being heckled by a rival participant.
Ross Smith instructed Joe Cullen to ‘shut up’ after being heckled on stage (Picture: PDC)
Joe Cullen was promptly instructed to ‘shut up’ by Ross Smith after heckling his victorious rival on the Gamers Championship 5 occasion in Leicester. Smith cruised to an 8-2 victory over Chris Dobey within the closing to safe his seventh ProTour title and declare £15,000 in prize cash. Afterwards, he was compelled to interrupt his interview after Cullen shouted out from the sidelines.
Simply as Smith was speaking about the way it was essential to beat any participant that was put in entrance of him, Cullen was heard yelling one thing on the Dover thrower. Smith initially responded by laughing earlier than shouting again: “Will you shut up?” He shortly continued with the interview, admitting he had felt ‘nervy’ in latest weeks and wanted luck on his aspect to win the title.
“I wouldn’t say I really feel unstoppable,” stated Smith. “I might say I performed persistently right now. While you win a title you positively want just a little little bit of luck alongside the best way except you’re enjoying distinctive.
“Chris, fortunately right now for me, he didn’t flip up. Everyone knows how good he’s. He is likely one of the finest on the planet so I’m glad to beat him. I’m joyful.
“I felt actually relaxed right now. It has taken couple of weeks to settle again in. It’s the very best I’ve felt this yr. I at all times set myself a goal.
“Since I gained my first title, I’ve gone yearly now understanding it’s essential to win a title, so I’m on the right track in 2026. It’s all good.”
Smith averaged a powerful 97.42 as he secured a 6-3 victory over Dave Chisnall within the final eight, earlier than a equally one-sided 7-4 conquer Karel Sedlacek within the semi-finals.
“???????????????????????? ?????????????????? ???????????????????????? ?????????????!”
?????? Smudger jokes with Joe Cullen after successful ProTour right now.
?????? In affiliation with @DiamondXDraws#Darts | ?????? https://t.co/1pRyCrufHG pic.twitter.com/YvFHE2KFfY
— Oche180 (@Oche180) February 24, 2026
It got here simply weeks after he was dumped out of the World Darts Championship within the opening spherical, shedding to Andreas Harryson in a serious upset.
Reflecting on his rocky begin to the yr, Smith added: “The primary few weeks I’ve truly been a bit nervy and never feeling the best. I feel you simply wish to get off to begin.
“As quickly as I hit my board right now, I felt actually relaxed and I used to be full steam forward. I really feel like I performed rather well right now. I’m feeling actually assured, however on daily basis is totally completely different.
Event schedules, scores, gamers updates and majors information plus chosen affords and competitions Subscribe Invalid e mail
We use your sign-up to supply content material in methods you’ve got consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This will embody adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
“You’ll be able to play an absolute blinder, have a 105 common, and lose. Anybody who performs me now’s going to should play effectively to beat me. I’m enjoying rather well.”
Dobey, in the meantime, produced a surprising nine-darter throughout his last-64 victory over Ricky Evans on his technique to the ultimate in Leicester.
Leave a Reply