Ross Smith produced a moment of brilliance at the 2026 World Matchplay in Blackpool, recording a magnificent 160 checkout during his match against Kevin Doets. The high-pressure finish served as a highlight of the tournament’s opening stages, reinforcing Smith’s reputation for clinical scoring.
The 2026 World Matchplay, held at the Winter Gardens, has seen a series of competitive encounters. While Smith captured attention with his precision, the event has also been defined by fluctuating form among top-ranked players. In other notable action, world No. 2 Luke Humphries faced significant pressure in his match against Cameron Menzies, while Gerwyn Price managed to navigate a challenging contest against Martin Schindler despite admitting to a lack of confidence in his current form.
The tournament continues to be broadcast on Sky Sports, with players competing in a format that features sudden-death scenarios if matches reach 12-12 in the opening rounds. For competitors like Smith, the ability to execute high-value checkouts under these conditions remains a critical factor in advancing through the field.