RAYMOND SMITH believes that the World Series of Darts treble-header in Australia and New Zealand will be a "massive" boost for the sport Down Under.
Smith made his World Series of Darts debut at last weekend's Melbourne Darts Masters and will take part in the inaugural Brisbane Darts Masters at the BCEC from August 17-19.
The sport's top stars also competed in Auckland to begin August's three World Series events Down Under, while Sydney and Perth have previously staged events in Australia.
Smith - a three-time winner on the DartPlayers Australia circuit in 2018 - believes that the exposure players receive by playing against the PDC's top names is benefitting the sport at a domestic level.
"We've got eight guys that are having a crack on TV [in each event] and 14 in total for these three events," said Smith, a 38-year-old from Brisbane.
Darts in Australia is just going to go through the roof so I've got to step up my game because everybody else is.
They see these [events] on TV and it's all good - it's massive for darts in Australia.
"Darts in Australia at the moment is very cut-throat and now we've just got to bring it onto TV, and as soon as we do it's going to be brilliant."
Smith was defeated 6-1 by Michael van Gerwen on his World Series of Darts debut in Melbourne last week, but believes he is better for the experience.
"There's certain players that you can feel when you're playing them that they know what they're doing," said Smith, who also qualified for the 2017 Lakeside Championship.
"I think I hit two 180s in the same leg and didn't get a shot at a double - there's nothing you can do, just walk off and smile!
"I was keen for it, but not good enough on the day. I enjoyed it and I'll go back to the practice board and practice three times harder - it's more motivation.
"I've got Brisbane to come and I'm keen as. I'm not going home with my tail between my legs - I'm up for it. I'm keen and I'm fired up."
The Brisbane Darts Masters will be held from August 17-19 at the BCEC. For tickets, visit www.ticketek.com.au.
Brisbane Darts Masters
August 17-19, BCEC, Brisbane, Australia
Competing Players
PDC Representatives: Michael van Gerwen, Peter Wright, Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Simon Whitlock, Kyle Anderson, Michael Smith, Raymond van Barneveld
Oceanic Representatives: Corey Cadby, Tim Pusey, Raymond Smith, Mark Cleaver, Damon Heta, Gordon Mathers, Barry Gardner, Justin Thompson