Rodriguez after losing out on maiden European Tour title: “Of course it hurts, I’ll come back stronger”

Rowby-John Rodriguez had a match dart to seal his maiden European Tour title on Sunday evening at the European Darts Matchplay but lost in a decider to Luke Humphries.

One of the best finals seen in some time on the European Tour, there was a sense of pride for Rodriguez albeit hurt of losing his maiden final.

“Definitely proud of myself. These fans today have brought me so far. I played very, very well but I would have loved to have won that,” said Rodriguez.

“This is my first trophy after the World Youth Championship. Luke Humphries and I said to each other backstage today: we'll meet in the final today. And that was the case.

“But when you are 4-0 ahead, of course it hurts, but as I said, he knows this situation. This was completely new to me. I would have liked to have had that one dart on the double 20. Respect to Luke. I'll come back stronger.”