Gerwyn Price etched his name in darts history by becoming only the second player ever to amass double‑digit European titles, clinching his tenth at the European Darts Grand Prix with an 8‑6 win over Ross Smith in Sindelfingen, Germany. This triumph places him alongside Michael van Gerwen as the only two competitors to have reached the ten‑title milestone on the Euro Tour, cementing Price's status as one of the sport's most consistent performers. The final was a tightly contested affair that showcased both players' resilience and skill. Price surged ahead early, building a 3‑0 lead that included a crucial double break.
Smith, however, responded with two successive breaks of his own, pulling the match level at 3‑3 and demonstrating that the contest was far from decided. The pivotal moment arrived in the eleventh leg when Price seized another break of throw after Smith faltered on his doubles, nudging the score to 6‑5 in Price's favour. From there, the Welshman maintained his composure, holding his own throws and ultimately sealing the match on the twelfth double to claim the title. For Smith, the loss was a bitter pill to swallow.
It marked his fourth appearance in a Euro Tour final, yet each time he has fallen short of the trophy. Despite the disappointment, his run to the final was impressive, highlighted by a hard‑fought 7‑5 victory over Krzysztof Ratajski in the semi‑finals. Ratajski, known as the "Polish Eagle," struggled with his finishing, missing fifteen of twenty attempts at the outer ring, which allowed Smith to establish an early lead and keep Ratajski at bay.
The tournament featured a number of other notable performances. Price's path to the final included a commanding 7‑4 win over rising Dutch talent Wessel Nijman. The match was a showcase of high‑quality darts, with both players trading big scores and precise doubles. The decisive break came in the eighth leg, giving Price a two‑leg cushion that Nijman could not overcome.
In another thrilling encounter, Price survived a 6‑5 last‑leg showdown against Germany's Martin Schindler, who enjoyed vocal support from the home crowd. After falling behind, Price rallied by taking three consecutive legs, ultimately clinching the win on the fifth double of the deciding leg. The quarter‑finals also delivered drama. Smith dispatched Nathan Aspinall 6‑4, exploiting Aspinall's off‑day and using his own strong finishing to break and hold for the victory.
Meanwhile, Ratajski edged past Danny Noppert 6‑5 in a leg that went down to the wire. Post‑match, Noppert expressed frustration, alleging that Ratajski was adjusting his flights while waiting to throw – a claim Ratajski dismissed, saying he was surprised by the accusation and that it had no impact on his performance.
One of the tournament's biggest upsets came when Nijman recorded his first ever win over Michael van Gerwen, the "Green Machine," who was uncharacteristically off‑target throughout the match. Nijman's three breaks of throw across eight legs, combined with an 83 average, proved enough to outclass the Dutch legend. The event schedule was packed with action across two days, featuring both afternoon and evening sessions.
Highlights included Ross Smith's 6‑3 victory over Cameron Menzies, Gerwyn Price's 6‑4 win over Dave Chisnall, and a series of intense battles involving top‑ranked players such as James Wade, Joe Cullen, and Jonny Clayton. Looking ahead, Price is eager to build on this historic win. He faces Gian van Veen in Night 12 of the Premier League Darts in Liverpool, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
"I think Ross and I both tried a bit too hard in that game," Price reflected after the final. "We've both had great tournaments, and I was just struggling to get over the winning line.
Thankfully I won this one, and it will give me confidence moving forward. I've been on the PDC circuit for about 12 years, so averaging a title a year isn't terrible, but I want to push higher. The upcoming game against Gian van Veen will be tough, but now I can go in with confidence and build on this momentum." The Premier League Darts continues to capture fans' attention, with Luke Humphries defending his title and a full slate of matches scheduled each Thursday until May.
Viewers can stream the action on NOW and follow the latest darts videos, highlights, and the "Love the Darts" podcast for in‑depth analysis and behind‑the‑scenes insights. The sport's growing popularity ensures that each tournament, from Euro Tour events to the Premier League, delivers high‑octane competition and memorable moments for enthusiasts worldwide.