Former world champion Michael Smith says he plans on “playing 100 per cent of the tournaments” in 2027 after an opening win at the Swiss Darts Trophy.

‘Bully Boy’ Smith fought back from 3-1 down to beat Rob Owen, hitting 50 per cent of his doubles in just his fourth European Tour event of the season.

“I’ve missed this. I want to apologise and also make a promise in 2027 I will be playing 100 per cent of the tournaments. You will see me back,” said the 2023 world champion.

Smith is chasing down the final spots in the European Championship race and the St Helens thrower beat Owen 6-4 to set up a meeting with Jermaine Wattimena for a place in Sunday’s action.

Rob Cross was Friday’s standout performer for the second event in a row, averaging 105.95 in his 6-3 success against Mario Vandenbogaerde and will take on Luke Woodhouse on the back of his brilliant opening round performance at the World Grand Prix.

Bradley Brooks also produced an excellent display of darting brilliance in his opening round contest against Niels Zonneveld, as the former World Youth Champion averaged over a ton in a 6-4 victory over the World Grand Prix quarter-finalist, in a game that saw both players average over a ton and hit 13 maximums between them.

Brooks has now won four out of a possible four round-one games in European Tour events this year, and will take on Chris Dobey for a place in the final day of action at St Jakobshalle.

Karel Sedlacek’s hopes of sealing a spot at the European Championship continue into Saturday’s action as he swept aside Sebastian Bialecki to stay alive in the race for place in Dortmund later this month.

The Czech star averaged upwards of a ton and came back from 4-3 down to defeat the Pole 6-4, which included a brilliant 86 checkout on the bull to break the throw for the first time in the contest.

Stefan Bellmont produced a brilliant display on home soil in Basel as he created history by becoming the third Swiss player to win a match at the tournament, as he beat Andrew Gilding 6-3.

The 37-year-old, who featured in his tenth European Tour event in his career, pinned five legs on the spin to defeat the former UK Open champion, and has his eyes set on a place in Saturday’s action.

“Playing in front of your home crowd is very special and I wanted to win so much.” Bellmont reflected, who managed to win only his third match on the European Tour and will face Krzysztof Ratajski in round two.

“There were quite a few nerves in the early stages of the match, but thankfully I was able to raise my game.

“I know I will have to play better tomorrow but for now I just want to enjoy this amazing moment.”

Maik Kuivenhoven ended a losing streak of almost five years in Basel, as the Dutchman beat compatriot Raymond van Barneveld 6-3 to deny van Barneveld his first European Tour victory of the year.

Dave Chisnall and Tom Bissell both secured last-leg victories in their opening round contests against Alan Soutar and Joe Cullen respectively.

Cristo Reyes’ first win on the European Tour since May came in style, as the Spaniard beat Scotsman Cameron Menzies with an average of 98 and will face Ryan Searle next.

The Swiss Darts Trophy continues with a bumper double session on Saturday, as the 16 seeded representatives enter the fray on Day Two 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
Round Two
Afternoon Session (12pm)
Krzysztof Ratajski vs Stefan Bellmont
Wessel Nijman vs Karel Sedlacek
Luke Woodhouse vs Rob Cross
Martin Schindler vs Tom Bissell
Ryan Searle vs Cristo Reyes
Ross Smith vs William O’Connor
Chris Dobey vs Bradley Brooks
Jermaine Wattimena vs Michael Smith

Evening Session (6pm)
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
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. Stream darts and more through NOW with no contract.