By Phil Lanning

ROSS SMITH admits he is still “chasing that next level” after signing with Unicorn until 2030.

The former European Champion suffered a shock early exit at the Ally Pally but is already fighting back to form. 

Smudger, 36, revealed it’s been a tough couple of months but he’s delighted to be back with Unicorn and is ready to keep pushing up the rankings. 

On re-signing, he said: “I’m over the moon with it, to be fair.

“Unicorn have been brilliant with me for the past two years. I’m delighted and I’m looking forward to everything that’s coming up with them as well.

“There’s maybe some new products and stuff like that.

“Having a big brand behind you and the constant help and continuity is a help, without a shadow of a doubt. At the end of the day, you know you ain't got to worry about certain products and stuff like that. If I ever need anything, they send it to me straight away.

“They’ve been absolutely superb. I can’t ask for any more of them. They’re the best manufacturer I’ve ever worked with, so I wouldn’t want to ever change that.”

The surprise second round defeat to Pablo Nebrida at the Worlds was a huge setback but Smith is now ready for a new chapter. 

He added: “I’m ready for the new year, new start, new me, all that sort of stuff. I’ve got some plans in the pipeline on how to improve. Obviously losing at the Ally Pally so early hurt a lot. 

“Late December and early January was really tough, if I’m honest. 

“I’m still chasing just that next level again all the time. I’m not going to beat about the bush, my preparation wasn’t great, but I was only myself to blame in that respect. I let other things get into my head that I shouldn't have done.

“It’s about rectifying that and moving on from there. I always want to push on and be better than what I have been.

“So I want to have a better year than last year. I want to make sure I’m back in that top 16 as soon as possible. Back into the seats at the EuroTours, now that’s all changed again.

“I've got a new practice regime on the go and my house is finally done after over a year. So I feel like I'm in a good place going forward from now.”