Ross Smith has produced the performance of his life to win the European Championship, beating Michael Smith by an 11-8 scoreline in the final.
With the latter earning a spot in his eighth PDC televised final, the script was seemingly being written for the St Helens thrower to win his first major title.
However, while the 32-year-old may have squandered opportunities in the past, it was not the case in Dortmund on Sunday night as Ross Smith put together a display of the highest quality, even more impressive given that he was appearing in his first final of this magnitude.
Although he had the confidence of beating two-time world champion Peter Wright in the quarter-finals and getting over the line against Chris Dobey in the last four behind them, Ross Smith was perfect on his finishing during the opening stages of the contest, remarkably taking out 133 and 121 checkouts to lead 2-0.
At the first break, which Ross Smith led 3-2, both players were averaging 101.07, and the standard only improved as he established a 7-4 advantage with four ton-plus checkouts.
🏆 ROSS SMITH WINS THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIP 🏆
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) October 30, 2022
A first TV title for Ross Smith as he is crowned the 2022 @CazooUK European Champion as he sees off Michael Smith 11-8!
More heartbreak for Michael Smith, who loses in a TV final for the eighth time!
What a final that was! pic.twitter.com/VmSQVJiC1g
While Michael Smith was effectively matching his opponent blow-for-blow, he trailed for the entire final, not getting closer than 8-7 and 9-8 behind.
When he missed a dart at double 20 for a 112 checkout, Ross Smith capitalised to move 10-8 in front, and a 177 in the 19th leg saw him seal a famous triumph with a 15-dart leg.
Both players ended the contest with eight 180s apiece, with Ross Smith averaging 101.32 and Michael Smith marginally lower with 100.47.
Ross Smith, who entered this tournament with one PDC Pro Tour win and zero Euro Tour victories to his name, also earns a place in next month's Grand Slam Of Darts.
The level of Ross Smith's achievement is highlighted by the 33-year-old only moving into 20th place in the PDC Order Of Merit, while Michael Smith remains in fourth spot.
Darren Plant
