Gerwyn Price added another milestone to his career by becoming only the second player in history to collect double‑digit European titles, clinching the European Darts Grand Prix with an 8‑6 win over Ross Smith in Sindelfingen, Germany. This triumph marked Price's tenth European Tour crown, placing him alongside Michael van Gerwen as the only two competitors to have reached the ten‑title landmark on the circuit. The final was a tightly contested affair that showcased the fine margins that separate the sport's elite. Price surged ahead early, jumping to a 3‑0 lead thanks to a double break that put pressure on his opponent.
Smith, however, responded with composure, breaking back twice to level the match at 3‑3. The pendulum swung again in the eleventh leg when Price seized the only other break of the night, capitalising on a missed double from Smith to move ahead 6‑5. From there, the Welshman held his throw with precision, ultimately sealing the match on the twelfth double and securing his place in the record books. For Smith, the loss was a painful repeat of a pattern that has emerged in recent Euro Tour events.
The Englishman reached his fourth final of the season, only to fall short once more. Despite the disappointment, his performance throughout the tournament was commendable, highlighted by a gritty 7‑5 semi‑final victory over Krzysztof Ratajski. Ratajski, known as the "Polish Eagle," struggled with his finishing, missing fifteen of twenty attempts at the outer ring, which allowed Smith to build an early lead and maintain it to the finish. Price reflected on the match in the post‑game interview, acknowledging that both he and Smith may have over‑exerted themselves at times.
"I think Ross and I probably tried a bit too hard in that game," he said. "We've both had great tournaments, but I was struggling to get over the winning line. Thankfully I got it this time, and it gives me confidence moving forward.
I've been on the PDC circuit for about twelve years, so averaging a title a year isn’t spectacular, but it’s a solid foundation. I have a tough match against Gian van Veen in Liverpool on Thursday, and now I can go into that with confidence and build on this momentum." The victory also set the stage for Price's upcoming Premier League clash against Gian van Veen on Night 12 in Liverpool, a match that will be broadcast live on Sky Sports.
The Premier League schedule promises more high‑stakes encounters, with Luke Humphries defending his title and a full slate of top‑ranked players vying for the crown. Price's road to the final was not without drama. In the semi‑final, he dispatched Dutch up‑and‑comer Wessel Nijman 7‑4, a match that highlighted both players' scoring power and finishing prowess. The pivotal moment arrived in the eighth leg when Price secured the only break of the contest, giving him a two‑leg cushion that Nijman could not overcome.
Earlier in the tournament, Price survived a nail‑biting 6‑5 last‑leg thriller against Germany's Martin Schindler, with the home crowd cheering loudly for their number one. After dropping the first three legs, Price rallied, winning three consecutive legs to level the match before ultimately clinching the win on double five.
Smith's journey to the final featured several notable performances. He opened his quarter‑final against Nathan Aspinall with a solid 6‑4 win, demonstrating strong double‑finishing that allowed him to break Aspinall's throw and secure the decisive leg. Meanwhile, Ratajski had edged past Danny Noppert 6‑5 in a tense quarter‑final, surviving a last‑leg decider despite an accusation from Noppert that Ratajski was adjusting his flights during the throw. Ratajski dismissed the claim, saying he was surprised by the allegation and that it had no impact on his concentration.
Elsewhere in the event, Wessel Nijman recorded his first ever victory over Michael van Gerwen, the "Green Machine," who appeared off‑form as his darts strayed from the target. Nijman's three breaks of throw across eight legs, coupled with an 83 average, proved enough to overcome the Dutch legend. The tournament schedule was packed with action across multiple sessions. In the afternoon session of Round Two, Krzysztof Ratajski defeated Mike De Decker 6‑4, while Wessel Nijman overcame Ryan Searle 6‑2.
The evening session saw Ross Smith dispatch Cameron Menzies 6‑3 and Gerwyn Price beat Dave Chisnall 6‑4. Additional matches featured notable names such as James Wade, Joe Cullen, and Jonny Clayton, all contributing to a vibrant and competitive atmosphere.
Looking ahead, the darts community will turn its attention to the Premier League, where the weekly Thursday fixtures continue until May. Fans can stream the action live via NOW or catch the highlights and analysis on Sky Sports. For those who enjoy deeper insight, the "Love the Darts" podcast offers interviews and commentary from the sport's biggest personalities. In summary, Gerwyn Price's tenth European Tour title not only cements his status among the game's elite but also provides a confidence boost as he prepares for the next challenge in the Premier League.
Ross Smith, despite the setback, demonstrated resilience and skill throughout the tournament, suggesting that future finals may yet be within his reach. The European Darts Grand Prix delivered thrilling darts, dramatic comebacks, and historic milestones, reinforcing why the sport continues to captivate audiences worldwide.