9-darter and comeback in the final: Ross Smith edges hero Chris Dobey at Magdeburg Darts Gala exhibition

The PDC Europe Gala Series stopped in Magdeburg on Saturday evening, delivering an entertaining showcase for fans with several top stars on stage. Among those involved were Raymond van Barneveld, Gian van Veen, Chris Dobey, Ross Smith, Damon Heta, and Rob Owen.

Beyond the sporting duels, a special moment right at the start of the night sparked excitement: Dobey fired in a 9-darter in his first leg against van Barneveld – a perfect opening that put the Magdeburg crowd in party mood early.

Richard Ashdown played a special role. The longtime voice of darts served as caller and reached an exceptional personal milestone. As Ashdown shared on X, it was the first 9-darter he has ever had the chance to call himself in his now 25-year career as a caller, referee, master of ceremonies, and spotter on and off the sport’s big stages.

The evening also delivered a dramatic sporting finale: In a turbulent decider, Ross Smith edged Chris Dobey 4-3. Smith had trailed 0-3 before turning the match completely around to seal the win.

Following events in Wetzlar, Frankfurt, Leipzig, at the Nürburgring, in Neu-Ulm, and in Bamberg, the Magdeburg Darts Gala was already the seventh stop on this year’s PDC Europe gala series. While these events do not carry ranking or competitive status, many top players still use the evenings to gain stage sharpness and connect with the crowd.

PDC Europe will continue its gala tour in 2026. After the successful stop in Magdeburg, fans can look forward to events in Mannheim, Hildesheim, Bremen, Jena, Cologne, as well as a double-header in Lingen.