Ross Smith is a PDC major champion for the first time in his career after sealing a stunning 11-8 victory over Michael Smith in the final of the European Championship in Dortmund.
It is yet more major final misery for Michael Smith who loses his eighth straight final and will look at it as one of his best chances again to win one like at the UK Open but it is 'Smudger's time with the Deal ace walking away from the sport back in 2017.
He returned a few years later and is now a major champion. A dream becomes darting reality.
To begin the tie, Ross Smith surged into the lead with a 133 checkout followed by a 121 checkout on the bull. A second 180 and double 20 saw him stretch it to 3-0.
Michael Smith got back in business with a third 180 and an 82 checkout for 3-3 after the break but Ross Smith returned to the front with an 11-dart 81 checkout and landed his third ton plus checkout with another 121 checkout on the bull before hitting a 107 checkout to make it 7-4.
Three missed darts allowed Michael Smith back to trail 7-5 but Ross Smith again shut the door in his face with an 81 checkout for a 12-darter at 8-5.
At the interval, Michael Smith was one behind at 8-7 but back from the break, it was ‘Smudger’ that had the throw to look to go 9-7 up which he took.
A 180 from Michael Smith was rendered irrelevant as he missed a dart from 112 to break and Ross Smith went one away. A 177 sent Ross Smith to the hill but he missed the bull only to return for double eight to seal it.
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