DENNIS Smith has admitted he is a little behind where he would like to be as he bid’s to qualify for the year-ending PDC World Championship but insisted there is no need to panic just yet.

After bowing out in the first round of the Austrian Open on Friday, but still picking up a healthy £1,000 for qualifying for the Salzburg event, the Swindon player lies 52nd in both the PDC Order of Merit and the ProTour standings.

Smith knows he needs to improve on that position if he is to appear at Alexandra Palace in December, but is happy to bide his time.

“I think I’m a bit behind where I would ideally be but I don’t really look at things like that to be honest, it’s more the sort of thing I worry about in around September time,” he said.

“There’s still plenty of time and being in the European Championship events are a bonus for me and there are some more qualifiers to come. I’ve got time so I’m not worrying about it too much.

“The Worlds are always a target, an icing on the cake at the end of the year, so that has to be what I’m looking at.”

While Smith was disappointed to go out early in Austria, he was content with his display as he lost a last-leg decider to eventual semi finalist Mensur Suljovic.

“I played pretty well to be honest and that’s the pleasing thing,” he said.

“He played very well and we had a very good game so there’s plenty of positives for me.”

“I had to work very hard to win every leg I won, so that is pleasing.

“The prize money is always good too and I’m sure that will help me going forward.”