Gerwyn Price emerged victorious over Ross Smith to claim the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Grand Prix title in Sindelfingen on Sunday, sealing a hard‑fought win that capped an intense weekend of competition. The event, the fifth stop on the 2026 European Tour, featured a field of 48 professional players battling for a top prize of £35,000, with matches taking place from April 17 to April 19 at the city’s premier darts venue. The tournament unfolded over three days, beginning with the opening round in the afternoon and evening sessions. Early action saw Valters Melderis edge Karel Sedlacek 6‑5, while Wessel Nijman dispatched Ian White 6‑2 and Keane Barry overcame Niels Zonneveld 6‑3.
Krzysztof Ratajski demonstrated his sharp form by beating Michael Hurtz 6‑3, and Kevin Doets secured a 6‑4 win over Jurjen van der Velde. Andrew Gilding, Paul Krohne, Mickey Mansell, and Rob Cross all posted solid victories in the first session, setting the stage for a competitive second day. During the evening session of the first round, Michael Unterbuchner narrowly defeated William O'Connor 6‑5, and Joe Cullen produced a dominant 6‑1 win over Maik Kuivenhoven. Jeffrey de Zwaan, Peter Wright, and Cameron Menzies each recorded 6‑3 triumphs, while Raymond van Barneveld and Damon Heta also advanced with 6‑4 scores.
The round concluded with a series of tight finishes, including a 6‑5 win for Dirk van Duijvenbode over Oskar Lukasiak and a convincing 6‑1 victory for Daryl Gurney against Niko Springer. Round Two saw the competition intensify. Krzysztof Ratajski continued his strong run, beating Mike De Decker 6‑4, while Jermaine Wattimena dispatched Kevin Doets 6‑3. Wessel Nijman maintained momentum with a 6‑2 win over Ryan Searle, and Danny Noppert edged past Oskar Lukasiak 6‑5.
Chris Dobey and Andrew Gilding each secured 6‑2 victories, and Gary Anderson posted a 6‑3 win over Stephen Bunting. The afternoon session concluded with Mickey Mansell and Keane Barry both achieving 6‑3 wins, underscoring the depth of talent across the field. The third round featured a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. In the afternoon session, Joe Cullen fell 2‑6 to Krzysztof Ratajski, while Danny Noppert rebounded with a 6‑4 victory over Niko Springer.
James Wade was edged out by Nathan Aspinall 3‑6, and Josh Rock narrowly lost to Ross Smith 5‑6. Michael van Gerwen secured a 6‑5 win over Jermaine Wattimena, and Stephen Bunting was defeated by Wessel Nijman 3‑6. Jonny Clayton suffered a 1‑6 loss to Martin Schindler, and Gerwyn Price recorded a 6‑4 triumph over Chris Dobey, positioning himself as a leading contender for the title. The evening session of Round Two delivered further drama.
Ross Smith dispatched Cameron Menzies 6‑3, while Gerwyn Price overcame Dave Chisnall 6‑4. Nathan Aspinall dominated Jeffrey de Zwaan 6‑1, and James Wade beat Kim Huybrechts 6‑3.
Joe Cullen continued his strong form with a 6‑3 win over Gian van Veen, and Michael van Gerwen dispatched Michael Unterbuchner 6‑2. Martin Schindler edged a close match against Damon Heta 6‑5, and Jonny Clayton recorded a decisive 6‑1 victory over Valters Melderis.
The semifinals and final were the tournament’s climax. In the semifinal stage, Gerwyn Price faced off against a determined Wessel Nijman, securing a 6‑5 win that highlighted his composure under pressure. Ross Smith, having navigated a series of challenging matches, met Krzysztof Ratajski in the other semifinal.
Smith prevailed 8‑6 in a tightly contested battle, earning his place in the final. The championship match saw Gerwyn Price and Ross Smith locked in a high‑stakes duel. After a series of alternating legs, Price ultimately triumphed 8‑6, clinching the European Darts Grand Prix crown and the £35,000 prize.
His victory was celebrated by fans and commentators alike, marking a significant achievement in his 2026 season. Beyond the Grand Prix, the darts calendar remained busy. The Premier League Darts 2026 schedule continued with matches streamed on NOW, and fans were encouraged to follow the Love The Darts podcast for insights and analysis. The BetMGM Premier League moved to the M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool for another pivotal night, featuring a marquee clash between Luke Littler and his long‑time rival Luke Humphries, as well as a home‑hero showdown between Stephen Bunting and Jonny Clayton.
Gian van Veen faced Gerwyn Price in a crucial top‑table battle, while Michael van Gerwen aimed to solidify his position ahead of the Play‑Offs by taking on Josh Rock. Points were awarded each night—five for the winner, three for the runner‑up, and two for each semi‑finalist—to determine the league standings. The top four players will advance to the Finals Night at The O2 in London on Thursday, May 28.
Fans were reminded to stay connected with Sky Sports via WhatsApp for the latest news, videos, and expert analysis across the sport. The ongoing excitement of the 2026 darts season promises more thrilling moments, with the Premier League title defense by Luke Humphries and a packed schedule of events leading up to the climactic finals in London.