Smith Dominates Price to Capture World Series Title After Littler’s Unexpected Exit

Ross Smith delivered a commanding performance against Gerwyn Price, winning the World Series of Darts Finals with an 11-5 scoreline, while Luke Littler’s bid for a clean sweep of every major PDC title in 2026 was abruptly halted in the quarter‑finals. Smith seized the momentum in the latter stages of the match, clinching the final six legs in a row and hitting an impressive eleven 180s. He also recorded two consecutive finishes of over one hundred points and maintained a 46 percent success rate on his doubles, effectively overwhelming Price in Amsterdam on Sunday night.

This victory marks Smith’s second major PDC title, his first being the 2022 European Championship. Price, who struggled with his double attempts toward the end of the encounter, saw his checkout percentage dip to just 26 percent.

The Welshman boasts seven PDC major titles in total, including three Grand Slams and the 2021 World Championship, but his last major triumph came at the World Series Finals in 2022. After the match, speaking candidly on ITV4, Price reflected on his situation: "I am playing some good darts, I am earning some good money.

If I never win a major again I really don't care as long as I am doing well. I am gutted I've lost but if I never win another major then I have a good family, I have invested all my money.

I really don't mind. I will be gutted for half an hour but on Tuesday I'll be in Tenerife.

I was absolute rubbish in that final but don't take anything away from Ross. He was brilliant and took his opportunities." Smith’s triumph adds a fifth trophy to his season’s haul.

Prior to the Dutch showdown he had already secured victories at the Hungarian Darts Open and the International Darts Open on the European Tour, as well as a couple of Players Championship events. Meanwhile, Littler is left to process a surprising defeat. Littler entered the tournament on the back of an extraordinary run, having captured the first five major titles of the year and the World Cup of Darts for England alongside Luke Humphries.

He was on course to claim all eleven majors on offer, but his aspirations were shattered when he was beaten 10-4 by Jonny Clayton in the quarter‑finals. Smith’s road to the final saw him dispatch Josh Rock in the round of eight before eliminating home favourite Gian van Veen in the semi‑finals. Price, on the other hand, fought his way through the latter stages by overcoming James Wade and Jonny Clayton, only to be stopped by Smith’s relentless play. In post‑match comments, Smith expressed his amazement at the achievement: "It feels a bit mad, to be fair!

I am absolutely made up with the win. I am so happy. [Price] is one of the best in the world, so to beat him you have to up your game. I always say in my interviews that I take each game as it comes.

I play one game at a time. They are all finals and I give it my all.

That is working for me at the moment." The final scoreboard read: - Final: Ross Smith 11‑5 Gerwyn Price - Semi‑finals: Ross Smith 11‑8 Gian van Veen; Gerwyn Price 11‑7 Jonny Clayton - Quarter‑finals: Ross Smith 10‑7 Josh Rock; Gian van Veen 10‑8 Dirk van Duijvenbode; Gerwyn Price 10‑7 James Wade; Jonny Clayton 10‑4 Luke Littler Looking ahead, Sky Sports will continue to be the primary broadcaster for darts, with the World Grand Prix (28 September‑4 October), the Grand Slam of Darts (14‑22 November) and the World Darts Championship (10 December‑3 January) all slated for live coverage. Fans can also stream the action via NOW, which offers a contract‑free option for uninterrupted viewing. The broader context of Smith’s victory underscores a shifting landscape in professional darts. Over the past few years, a new generation of players has begun to challenge the long‑standing dominance of established stars like Michael van Gerwen and Gary Anderson.

Smith’s rise, highlighted by his precision on the double ring and his ability to sustain high scoring runs under pressure, exemplifies this emerging trend. Moreover, the tournament in Amsterdam highlighted the growing international appeal of the sport. With a diverse field representing multiple countries, the event attracted a global audience, further cementing darts’ status as a mainstream spectator sport. The combination of high‑octane finishes, dramatic comebacks, and the personal narratives of players such as Smith, Price, and Littler adds depth to the competition, making each match more than just a contest of skill—it becomes a story of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.

For Smith, the win not only adds a prestigious title to his résumé but also boosts his confidence heading into the upcoming major tournaments. His consistent performance across different formats—European Tour events, Players Championships, and now a major final—suggests a player who has refined his mental game as much as his technical abilities.

In contrast, Price’s candid reflections reveal a seasoned professional who, despite a recent dip in form, remains focused on the broader picture of his career and personal life. His willingness to accept defeat, acknowledge his shortcomings, and look forward to future opportunities (like his upcoming trip to Tenerife) illustrates the pragmatic mindset often required at the elite level. Littler’s early exit serves as a reminder that even the most promising talents can encounter setbacks.

His loss to Clayton, a seasoned competitor, underscores the depth of competition within the PDC circuit. While the disappointment may be sharp, it also offers Littler a valuable learning experience that could fuel future successes. Overall, the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam delivered a compelling narrative of triumph, surprise, and the ever‑evolving dynamics of professional darts. Smith’s dominant display, Price’s reflective honesty, and Littler’s unexpected defeat together paint a vivid picture of a sport where every throw can change the storyline, and where the next champion is always just a few darts away.