BOLTON-based darts professional Ross Smith believes he can pull off a shock when he makes his Professional Darts Corporation World Championship debut next week.

Smith has been drawn against world number four Simon Whitlock in the first round of the sport’s premier tournament on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old from Tonge Fold has beaten Whitlock before and is confident he can do so again at London’s Alexandra Palace.

“I don’t think it’s a bad draw at all,” he said.

“I’ve beaten him before and am confident I will beat him at the Worlds.

“If I didn’t think I could win I wouldn’t play.”