Ross Smith thought he would have to pull out of the World Grand Prix after being hospitalised three days before the event.The 13th seed began his campaign with a 2-1 win over Cameron Menzies in Leicester on Monday night.Smith was hospitalised days after winning the World Series of Darts finalsGettyHowever, Smith was considering withdrawing from the event as recently as Saturday following a ‘week of hell’ away from the oche.The 37-year-old has revealed he contracted a virus after his victory at the World Series of Darts Finals last weekend.His illness caused complications with his heart which left Smith in hospital days before the start of the World Grand Prix.Meanwhile, he was also absent from last week’s Players Championship events in Den Bosch, the Netherlands.‘Week of hell’ – Smith on recent health issuesSmith opened up on the ordeal following his comeback win over Menzies in the first round.Speaking to reporters after the match, he admitted: “It hasn’t been the greatest at home if I’m honest with you. I’ve had a week of hell.“I’ve come home and I’ve picked up some sort of virus. I had a few issues with my heart as well, I was in hospital on Friday, I thought I was pulling out of this tournament on Saturday.“To be here is an achievement in itself let alone to win and play like that, I’m very happy.“I’m devastated, though, because I’ve missed my son’s birthday as well on Wednesday because I was ill.“So I’ve come home feeling like I’m going to be celebrating and I’ve had a week of hell, but I’m glad to be here and perform.”Smith has revealed he was left with a heart issue after contracting a virus last weekShutterstock EditorialView Tweet: https://t.co/MIkwwK0Y1tSmith claimed his second PDC premier event title in Amsterdam by winning the World Series of Darts Finals earlier this month.His victory over Gerwyn Price added to the European Championship title he won back in 2022.‘Smudger’ now faces a rematch with the Iceman in the second round of the World Grand Prix.The pair will meet later this week for a place in the quarter-finals.It comes after Smith recovered from set down to beat Menzies in his opening match.His opponent missed two match darts during the second set before the Englishman battled back to advance to the last 16.Smith came from behind to beat Menzies in the first round of the World Grand Prix on MondayShutterstock EditorialSmith has never gone past the second round at the ‘double in, double out’ event.This year marks his sixth consecutive appearance, though, having made his debut in 2021.