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Traveling back and forth between Canada and England is an arduous process, and with a global pandemic thrown into the mix that is made even more difficult.
Nevertheless, former North American champion Jeff Smith has showcased his praiseworthy dedication and devotion, continuing to travel frequently from his North Brunswick home.
Smith came through PDC Qualifying School in January of last year, and progressed to make his maiden ranking final and qualify for the World Darts Championship during his second stretch on the professional scene.
The Canadian number one has encountered more travel difficulties than arguably any other player, though, returned to action over the weekend in Bolton and continued to make strides.
“It wasn’t too bad of a start really,” Smith said. “I felt I could have won games I lost, but at the same time I had a bit of luck on a couple of the wins. I’ll take the £3,500 and the three spots in the rankings. I’m getting closer to that 64 mark.”
Former BDO World Championship runner-up Smith has often been placed into Covid self-isolation camps upon his return to his native Canada, and forced to have multiple swab tests during his travels.
“Travel from and back to Canada has been made very unpleasant. Most of the possible connections have been terminated,” revealed Smith.
“This particular trip I was denied boarding my flight over the format my negative test was received. The normal travel over is 11 hours total, but now it’s 25 hours.
“I know going home, the Canadian government has placed a massive expense on travellers returning. I could be on the hook for up to $3,000 and forced to stay in a Covid camp. It’s unfortunately undoing any profits from playing the ProTour.”
While 45-year-old Smith is plying his trade in the professional echelons of his chosen sport, he also leaves his young family back home in New Brunswick.
“The biggest problem is that it’s forcing me to stay away from my family for longer periods of time,” Smith added.
“Obviously, I miss my family tremendously and they’re in the same boat. I’m usually home to handle any household issues that winter brings, but I’m basically leaving them to handle on their own.
“The fact that the PDC have grouped events in blocks is a massive help in me being able to compete regularly. I did, however, get caught up missing the Players Championship Finals over the quarantine restrictions.”
Since Smith regained his professional status at the frontend of last season, storming through the usually gruelling and intense Q School, former ranking event winner Darren Webster has taken him under his wing.
“Darren is a great friend. He and his own family have been amazing to me since day one,” Smith expressed, having lived with the Norfolk man on occasions before the pandemic swept across the world.
“He’s just a funny guy and keeps me on my toes most days. It’s great to have a friend when you are away from your family and friends back home.”
More recently, Smith has been joined by fellow North American Danny Baggish as a PDC Tour Card holder, as the trailblazing Baggish became the first American to prevail at Qualifying School.
“Danny is a great player,” Smith said, having been famously beaten in the North American Darts Championship final two years ago, with Baggish scuppering the defence of his prestigious title at the final hurdle.
“It’s always good to see fellow North Americans on tour. Guys like John Part, Ken MacNeil and Dawson Murschell have all been very helpful laying the ground work, showing the new guys the ropes.”
Baggish makes his UK Open debut this weekend at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, while Smith returns in the hope of gaining his maiden victory at the televised tournament.
