"It's starting to become annoying but I'll get there eventually" - Michael Smith continues to believe despite further major heartbreak

Michael Smith failed to win his first major title in Dortmund losing the European Championship Final 11-8 to Ross Smith but despite further major heartbreak, he still believes that it will come one day.

It was the eighth major final defeat for Smith who has perhaps had his two best chances on paper this season against Danny Noppert at the UK Open and now in Dortmund.

"Every time Ross was on a ton-plus finish he was pinning it, fair play to him - he did what he needed to do to win," the St Helens ace reflected.

"My scoring wasn't the best but I wasn't too upset with myself at how I played. It's starting to become annoying [losing TV ranking finals] but I'll get there eventually.

"I've just got to keep going, keep believing and keep doing what I'm doing. Maybe I will win the next one, or the one after that. We'll see."