“AUSTRALIAN Raymond Smith planned to SNUB the PDC World Championship – even if he was victorious against Simon Whitlock. Fellow Australian Whitlock beat Smith, winning 10-7 on Saturday in the finals of the ANZ Premier League to secure his return to Alexandra Palace. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! Raymond Smith planned to”, — write: www.thesun.co.uk
Fellow Australian Whitlock beat Smith, winning 10-7 on Saturday in the finals of the ANZ Premier League to secure his return to Alexandra Palace.
Thank you!
Raymond Smith planned to snub the World Championships even if he qualified 
Simon Whitlock beat Smith to qualifiy for Ally PallyCredit: Getty The Wizard previously lost his PDC Tour Card in 2024 but has secured himself another pathway by winning Down Under.
Bizarrely, Smith was always planning to turn down the chance of competing in the PDC World Darts Championship – which begins on December 11.
Smith, 45, has decided to opt for the WDF World Championship at the Lakeside, a competition that has significantly less prize money compared to the PDC.
The WDF World Darts Championship currently has a total prize fund of £146,000, compared to the PDC World Darts Championship which this year has a record prize fund of £5million.
Under PDC’s eligibility ruling, a player must choose which tournament they would rather compete in.
The PDC rules prevent players from competing in both at the same time.
Smith is a man of his word after committing his choice to play in the WDF.
Smith told Tungsten Tales: “For me, it was a non-event, it was always going to be Lakeside.
“I qualified for Lakeside in February and I had everything booked and paid for. So, if I wanted to change my mind now, I’m out about $7,000-$8,000 (£3,940) straight off the bat.
“Then I’ve got to go and find accommodation and air fares late in the game to go to Ally Pally, which is another $10,000 (£4,926) on top of that.
“It’s just not financially viable.”
And Smith’s health condition may have been in his thoughts when deciding.
Smith said: “I’ve got a plan about how I’m trying to rebuild after a bit of health issues.
“I’m trying to stick to the plan because ultimately getting back to Ally Pally is the end game.
“But I don’t want to just go over there and fall flat on my face again.
“I want to be able to try and find out where I’m at and then go back there and attack it.”
The WDF will commence on November 28 until December 7, while the PDC tournament will start on December 11 and end on January 3, 2026.