‘You will see me back’ – Smith vows 2027 return after Swiss Darts Trophy win

Michael Smith Commits to 2027 Return After Swiss Darts Trophy Win

Former world champion Michael Smith announced his ambition to play 100 percent of tournaments in 2027 after securing an opening victory at the Swiss Darts Trophy.

‘Bully Boy’ Smith mounted a dramatic comeback from behind to defeat Rob Owen, contributing significantly to his tally by hitting half of his doubles during his fourth European Tour event of the season.

“I want to offer my apologies for my recent hiatus. Most importantly, I have made a commitment to compete at full intensity throughout 2027. ‘You will see me back,’’ said the 2023 world champion.

Smith is currently fighting to secure a spot in the European Championship and has pushed through a hard-fought triumph over Rob Owen 6-4 to advance toward a potential meeting with Jermaine Wattimena.

Smith recorded impressive performances earlier in the competition, with Bradley Brooks also showing exceptional skill and Kael Sedlacek maintaining momentum in the early rounds.

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Karel Sedlacek’s hopes of sealing a spot at the European Championship continue into Saturday’s action as he defeated Sebastian Bialecki 6-4.

Stefan Bellmont delivered a standout performance at home in Basel, creating history as the third Swiss player to lift a match trophy at the Swiss Darts Trophy with a 6-3 victory over Andrew Gilding.

The 37-year-old professional, marking his tenth European Tour appearance, scored five maximums on tight turns to claim the win, positioning himself strongly for Saturday’s round two.

“Playing in front of your own supporters is incredibly special, and I felt compelled to fight for the result,” Bellmont reflected, noting he has advanced to round two after a third match of the evening.

“Bringing this level up in front of your local audience requires total focus, and I am determined to do so tomorrow,” he added. “While there may be room for improvement, tonight’s achievement is a fantastic accomplishment.”

The Dutchman secured top form in the latter round, defeating compatriot Raymond van Barneveld 6-3 in Basel.

Maik Kuivenhoven ended a prolonged losing streak in Basel after beating Raymond van Barneveld 6-3 in the final session, while Dave Chisnall and Tom Bissell claimed wins against Alan Soutar and Joe Cullen respectively.

Cristo Reyes earned his first European Tour victory in May with an 6-4 win over Scotsman Cameron Menzies.

A packed double session awaits on Saturday as sixteen seed holders battle in Basel.

2026 Swiss Darts Trophy
Friday October 9
Round One
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

Afternoon Session (12pm)

Round Two participants include Krzysztof Ratajski vs Stefan Bellmont, Wessel Nijman vs Karel Sedplacek, Luke Woodhouse vs Rob Cross, Martin Schindler vs Tom Bissell, Ryan Searle vs Cristo Reyes, and Ross Smith vs William O’Connor.

Evening Session (6pm)

Upcoming matches feature 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, and Danny Noppert vs Damon Heta.

Sky Sports remains the home of darts with the Grand Slam of Darts (November 14-22) and World Darts Championship (December 11-January 3) all live. Stay tuned on NOW stream.

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