Ross Smith will face Chris Dobey in the semi-finals of the European Championship after the favourite for the title in World Champion, Peter Wright was dumped out in a sensational comeback 10-8 in Dortmund.
ADVERTISEMENT
There will now be a new major champion come what may with the other semi-final seeing Michael Smith and Dirk van Duijvenbode face off, two former multiple major finalists while for Smith and Dobey, it is their first chance in a remarkable story.
Wright coasted to begin the tie reeled off the opening four legs without reply. Smith came back with three straight legs but Wright looked to head to the finish at 7-3 up at the interval.
But on return was when 'Smudger' clicked into gear, he produced three legs in a row to sit 8-6 behind and missed darts at double began to creep in for Wright.
He was suddenly only 8-7 up with Smith following that up with an eighth 180 and a 94 checkout on the bull to level at 8-8. It was six legs in a row to go 9-8 in front before creeping in a superb double eight for the win.
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
THE BIGGEST WIN OF HIS LIFE! 🤯
ROSS SMITH WINS SEVEN LEGS ON THE SPIN TO DEFEAT THE WORLD CHAMPION!
Incredible drama here in Dortmund as Smith comes from 8-3 down to defeat Peter Wright 10-8 to secure his spot in the semi-finals!
What a win, what a story! 🤩
#ECDarts | QF