Gerwyn Price has become the second player in history to secure double-digit European titles, joining Michael van Gerwen at the top, after defeating Ross Smith 8-6 at the European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen, Germany. This win marks Price's 10th title and solidifies his position as one of the all-time greats in the sport.
The final was closely contested, with both players showing incredible skill, but ultimately, Price's ability to capitalize on Smith's mistakes and his own consistent performance led to his victory. The turning point came in the 11th leg when Price broke Smith's throw, moving ahead 6-5, a lead he maintained to claim the championship. Price reflected on the game, stating that both he and Smith may have tried too hard, which affected their performance.
However, he expressed relief at securing the win, which he believes will boost his confidence, especially with his upcoming match against Gian van Veen in the Premier League Darts. The path to the final saw Price overcome Wessel Nijman with a strong 7-4 win, showcasing his prowess in a game marked by high-quality holds of throw from both players.
A crucial break of throw in the eighth leg sealed the deal for Price. He also navigated a challenging match against Martin Schindler, coming from behind to win 6-5, aided by his ability to counter Schindler's strong moments. Smith, on the other hand, reached the final by defeating Krzysztof Ratajski 7-5, capitalizing on Ratajski's struggles with doubling. Earlier, Smith had a significant 6-4 win over Nathan Aspinall, leveraging his strong doubling to secure the victory.
Ratajski had a tense 6-5 win over Danny Noppert, holding his nerve in a last-leg decider. The tournament also saw notable performances, including Nijman's first-ever win over Michael van Gerwen, where the young Dutch player's 83 average was enough to outclass the veteran.
As the darts season continues, all eyes are on the Premier League, with defending champion Luke Humphries facing stiff competition, and fans can catch all the action on Sky Sports.