Powerhouse Performance

Ross Smith, the Dover thrower, delivered a standout performance at the Ally Pally, defeating Niels Zonneveld 3-1. Despite being bitten three times by a wasp, Smith remained resilient and emerged victorious.

A Close Call

During a post-match interview with Sky Sports, Smith was unexpectedly attacked by the wasp. The insect landed on his hand, prompting him to shake it off in an attempt to alleviate the pain.

A Good Omen

Interestingly, a visit from the Ally Pally wasp is considered a positive sign. Smith, 34, now believes that he is a dark horse for the title and is confident in his ability to win the tournament.

Resilience and Determination

Reflecting on his performance, Smith stated, "I got stung three times, I'm going to be like the Elephant Man tomorrow. It went ping, ping, ping and flew off. Luckily it's my left hand. I know I'm playing well. I believe I can win it, I wouldn't be here otherwise."

Smith acknowledged the talent of his fellow competitors but expressed his confidence in his own abilities. He emphasized the importance of focusing on performance rather than statistics and commended the support of the fans.

A Memorable Victory

This victory holds special meaning for Smith as his eight-year-old son, Archie, was present in the VIP area. It was Archie's first time watching his father play, and winning in front of him was a significant moment for Smith.

Smith shared, "I'm so pleased to win and I had him in the practice room with me. I was a bit nervy because it was the first round. But him being there sort of relaxed me and brought me back to normality in a way. It was quite nice to talk about Pokemon!"

Wasp Intrusions at the Ally Pally

This is not the first time a wasp has made an appearance during a game at the Ally Pally. Luke Humphries had a similar encounter earlier this year when a wasp landed on his case during the first leg of a match. Fortunately, Humphries managed to swat away the insect without any harm.

Smith's victory serves as a testament to his resilience and determination in the face of unexpected challenges. As the tournament continues, all eyes will be on him to see if he can maintain his winning streak and emerge as a true contender for the title.