Ross Smith delivered a commanding performance against Gerwyn Price, winning the World Series of Darts Finals with an 11-5 victory that underscored his rising stature in the sport. The match, held in Amsterdam on Sunday night, saw Smith surge ahead in the final stages, clinching the last six legs and firing off eleven maximums. His relentless scoring was highlighted by consecutive ton-plus finishes and an impressive 46% success rate on double attempts, effectively overwhelming Price and securing Smith's second major PDC title after his triumph at the 2022 European Championship. Price, a seasoned competitor with seven PDC majors to his name—including three Grand Slams and the 2021 World Championship—could not replicate his earlier successes.
In the latter part of the match his checkout accuracy fell to a mere 26%, and he missed numerous crucial doubles, allowing Smith to pull away. After the match, the Welshman spoke candidly on ITV4, acknowledging his own strong form but also expressing a pragmatic outlook: "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." While Smith celebrated his fifth trophy of the season—a string of victories that includes the Hungarian Darts Open, the International Darts Open on the European Tour, and several Players Championship events—Luke Littler was left to process a shocking defeat. Littler had entered the tournament with the ambition of completing a clean sweep of all eleven major PDC titles available in 2026, having already secured the first five majors of the year and the World Cup of Darts for England alongside Luke Humphries. His campaign, however, came to an abrupt end in the quarter‑finals, where he was outclassed 10-4 by Jonny Clayton.
The quarter‑finals also saw Smith dispatch Josh Rock 10-7, while Price eliminated James Wade 10-7 before falling to Smith in the final. In the semi‑finals, Smith overcame Dutch hopeful Gian van Veen 11-8, and Price edged past Jonny Clayton 11-7, setting the stage for the decisive showdown. Reflecting on his victory, Smith described the experience as "a bit mad" and expressed genuine delight: "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." His remarks underscore a methodical approach to competition, focusing on steady progress rather than getting overwhelmed by the magnitude of the occasion. The tournament's broader context highlights the growing prominence of darts on television. Sky Sports continues to be the primary broadcaster for major darts events, with the upcoming World Grand Prix (September 28‑October 4), Grand Slam of Darts (November 14‑22), and the World Darts Championship (December 10‑January 3) all slated for live coverage.
Fans can also stream matches via NOW without a contract, ensuring wider accessibility. Looking ahead, Smith's victory adds momentum to his season, positioning him as a formidable contender for the remaining majors.
His ability to sustain high scoring, maintain a strong double conversion rate, and seize critical moments suggests he could challenge the established hierarchy of the sport. Meanwhile, Price's candid reflections reveal a seasoned professional who, despite a disappointing result, remains financially secure and mentally resilient, planning to unwind in Tenerife shortly after the tournament. For Littler, the loss serves as a stark reminder of the depth of talent on the PDC circuit. Despite a remarkable run earlier in the year, the quarter‑final exit illustrates that even the most promising young players must contend with experienced opponents like Clayton, who proved decisive on the day.
Littler's ambition to capture all major titles remains alive, but the setback will likely fuel a renewed determination as he prepares for future events. The final scores of the tournament were as follows: - 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 These results encapsulate a weekend of high‑octane darts, showcasing both the emergence of new talent and the enduring excellence of established stars.
The sport's growing fanbase, bolstered by accessible streaming options and extensive television coverage, ensures that events like the World Series of Darts Finals will continue to attract global attention and produce memorable moments for players and spectators alike.