Incredible Ross Smith comeback fires 'Smudger' into European Darts Grand Prix final at Michael van Gerwen's expense

Michael van Gerwen missed out on a final place at the European Darts Grand Prix. 'Mighty Mike' blew multiple opportunities for victory against Ross Smith, who gleefully punished and has reached his first Euro Tour final.

Van Gerwen started the match well. Through two 15-darters and a 16-darter, the Dutchman took a 5-2 lead against 'Smudger'. Smith then started the eighth leg with two 180s, after which he recorded a 12-darter to make it 3-5. Van Gerwen then had a chance to make it 6-3, but missed a shot at tops. His English opponent then hit the double 8 for 4-5.

It then became 5-5 after Smith threw a 13-darter in the tenth leg, before a bizarre moment happened in the 11th leg. Van Gerwen bust 80, giving Smith the opportunity to take the lead. He unwrapped that gift with a 25 checkout.

However, Van Gerwen kept himself in the match by immediately forcing a rebreak with a 12-darter, after which the Dutchman could start the last leg himself. Van Gerwen had a chance to decide the match from 61, but he couldn't do so. Smith could not finish, however, after which Van Gerwen had another chance from 61. 'Mighty Mike' found the 25 with his first dart, but could not take advantage of his two chances on double 18. Smith then managed to cash in on his first matchdart for a spot in the final.