Former world champion Michael Smith has pledged to contest every tournament in 2027 following an impressive opening victory at the Swiss Darts Trophy in Basel. The St Helens thrower mounted a spirited fightback from 3-1 down to edge past Rob Owen 6-4, demonstrating the form that has characterised his return to competitive action.
Smith's performance saw him convert 50 per cent of his doubles attempts in what represented his fourth European Tour outing of the season. The comeback victory proved significant as he continues his pursuit of a place in the Machineseeker European Championship, with qualification spots still up for grabs.
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, declared the 2023 world champion in the aftermath of his win.
Smith's recent absence from the circuit stemmed from injury complications. According to Darts News, the player suffered a grade-two acromioclavicular joint injury in his shoulder, which required intensive physiotherapy to resolve. His determination to return at full capacity underscores the significance of his Basel commitment.
Smith's progression in the tournament continued beyond his opening-round success. According to Sky Sports, the former champion defeated Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 in the second round on October 10, averaging just under 103 and checking out 116, 124 and 144 in consecutive legs. However, his tournament ended in the last 16 when he fell 6-3 to Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Rob Cross emerged as the standout performer on the opening day, registering his second consecutive impressive display. The former world champion averaged 105.95 in a commanding 6-3 victory over Mario Vandenbogaerde and was scheduled to face Luke Woodhouse in the second round, building on the momentum he had generated at the World Grand Prix.
Bradley Brooks delivered a scintillating performance in his opening contest, averaging over 100 in a 6-4 triumph against Niels Zonneveld. The former World Youth Champion's display was particularly notable given that both competitors surpassed the century mark, with 13 maximums struck across the match. Brooks has now secured victories in all four of his round-one European Tour appearances this season and was set to challenge Chris Dobey for a place in the final day of competition at St Jakobshalle.
Karel Sedlacek maintained his hopes of securing a European Championship berth by dispatching Sebastian Bialecki 6-4 in a comeback effort. The Czech player, who trailed 4-3, averaged over 100 and executed a clinical 86 checkout on the bull to break his opponent's serve for the first time in the encounter.
Stefan Bellmont produced a memorable display on home soil, creating history by becoming the third Swiss player to record a victory at the tournament. The 37-year-old, competing in his tenth European Tour event overall, defeated former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding 6-3 by winning five consecutive legs.
Playing in front of your home crowd is very special and I wanted to win so much, reflected Bellmont following his breakthrough success.
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.
The Swiss player's victory represented only his third European Tour win and set up a second-round meeting with Krzysztof Ratajski.
Maik Kuivenhoven ended an extended losing streak spanning nearly five years when he defeated fellow Dutchman Raymond van Barneveld 6-3. The result denied van Barneveld what would have been his first European Tour victory of the year.
Dave Chisnall and Tom Bissell both secured narrow last-leg victories in their opening encounters. Chisnall defeated Alan Soutar 6-5, whilst Bissell edged past Joe Cullen by the same scoreline.
Cristo Reyes claimed his first European Tour success since May in impressive fashion, overcoming Scottish opponent Cameron Menzies with an average of 98. The Spaniard progressed to face Ryan Searle in the second round.
Tournament progression and final outcome
The Swiss Darts Trophy continued with a substantial double session on Saturday as the 16 seeded representatives entered the competition on Day Two. According to Sky Sports, the tournament ran from October 9 to 11, 2026, and has now concluded.
The championship ultimately saw Jonny Clayton emerge victorious, according to Sky Sports, as Clayton defeated Luke Humphries 8-4 in the final to secure his fourth European Tour title.
Friday October 9 results
Afternoon Session
Bradley Brooks defeated Niels Zonneveld 6-4. William O'Connor beat Jani Haavisto 6-1. Mensur Suljovic overcame Gyorgy Jehirszki 6-3. Karel Sedlacek defeated Sebastian Bialecki 6-4. Niko Springer beat Roman Wellinger 6-1. Tom Bissell edged Joe Cullen 6-5. Cristo Reyes defeated Cameron Menzies 6-4. Rob Cross beat Mario Vandenbogaerde 6-3.
Evening Session
Stefan Bellmont defeated Andrew Gilding 6-3. Jeffrey de Graaf beat Sietse Lap 6-4. Dave Chisnall edged Alan Soutar 6-5. Maik Kuivenhoven defeated Raymond van Barneveld 6-3. Dirk van Duijvenbode beat Bruno Stoeckli 6-3. Michael Smith defeated Rob Owen 6-4. Damon Heta beat Alex Fehlmann 6-2. Kevin Doets defeated Nick Kenny 6-3.
Saturday October 10 schedule
Afternoon Session (12pm)
Krzysztof Ratajski faced Stefan Bellmont. Wessel Nijman played Karel Sedlacek. Luke Woodhouse met Rob Cross. Martin Schindler faced Tom Bissell. Ryan Searle played Cristo Reyes. Ross Smith faced William O'Connor. Chris Dobey met Bradley Brooks. Jermaine Wattimena faced Michael Smith.
Evening Session (6pm)
Josh Rock faced Dave Chisnall. Stephen Bunting played Jeffrey De Graaf. James Wade met Dirk van Duijvenbode. Jonny Clayton faced Maik Kuivenhoven. Michael van Gerwen played Mensur Suljovic. Luke Humphries faced Kevin Doets. Gian van Veen met Niko Springer. Danny Noppert faced Damon Heta.
Upcoming darts calendar
Sky Sports continues as the home of darts, with major tournaments scheduled throughout the remainder of the season. The Grand Slam of Darts runs from November 14-22, whilst the World Darts Championship takes place from December 11 through January 3. All coverage is available live on Sky Sports, with streaming options through NOW requiring no contract commitment.
