Ross Smith crowned his surprising triumph at the Darts European Championship in Dortmund with the title. In the English final duel with World Cup runner-up Michael Smith, the outsider, number 28 in the world rankings, won 11:8 on Sunday in the Westfalenhalle. The 33-year-old from Dover thus secured a prize money of 120,000 pounds (around 138,000 euros). In the quarter-finals, Ross Smith had beaten the Scottish world number one Peter Wright 10:8, followed by success in the semi-finals against compatriot Chris Dobey. Michael Smith also lost his eighth Major final, beating Dutchman Dirk van Duijvenbode in the last four. The 14th edition of the tournament was characterized by favorite falls. Ex-world champion Gerwyn Price (Wales) and four-time title holder Michael van Gerwen (Netherlands) were eliminated on Friday. The German dart professionals Martin Schindler (Strausberg) and Gabriel Clemens (Saarwellingen) also failed in round one. The European Championship is considered to be one of the most important preparatory tournaments before the World Cup, which begins on December 15 in London this year.
Darts EM – surprise winner in Dortmund – Sport
