Ross Smith and Michael Smith reach semi-finals at European Darts Open after surviving thrillers

Michael Smith and Ross Smith have joined Damon Heta and Dave Chisnall in the semi-finals at the European Darts Open. The two Smiths meet in the last four for a place in the final of the Euro Tour tournament in Leverkusen.

Smith beat Martin Schindler 6-5 in front of his own crowd. He broke Schindler in the third leg with a 114 finish and made it 3-1 with a 58 check-out. 'The Wall' then returned to 3-3 and took over the lead with a 56 finish.

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Schindler then came within one leg of victory by throwing out 74 in the eighth leg. In the ninth leg, the German missed one matchdart before Smith halved the deficit with an 86 finish. With a 12-darter, Smith forced a last leg. Schindler missed another matchdart in the last leg, before 'Bullyboy' decided the match with a 13-darter.

In line with the other quarter-finals, the match between Ross Smith and Gian van Veen was also decided after a decisive leg. The Dutchman had chances to reach the semi-finals, but could not capitalise on his chances.

Smith immediately led by a break, but had to surrender that break in the sixth leg after Van Veen threw out 82 for 3-3. Via double 8, 'GVV The Giant' then took the lead for the first time in the match.

Van Veen missed a chance on tops to double the lead to 5-3. Smith hit the double 6 to make 4-4, after which both players held their own leg once more. Van Veen was allowed to start the last leg, but missed two matchdarts to reach the semi-finals. Smith took advantage and threw out 25 to force a clash with Michael Smith.

The European Darts Open is one of the longest running Euro Tour tournaments. The first edition was played back in 2012, when it was won by Raymond van Barneveld. Michael van Gerwen is the record winner of this tournament with five titles. In 2023, this event was won by Gerwyn Price, who beat Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-7 in a thrilling final.