The Flanders Darts Trophy in Antwerp has set the stage for a thrilling final! Ross Smith has reached his fourth European Tour final of the year, overcoming a nail-biting semi-final against Gian van Veen. He will face James Wade, who delivered a spectacular performance to defeat Damon Heta and secure his first European Tour final appearance of the season. Get ready for an epic showdown between two top talents!
Smith’s Road to a Fourth Final: A Season of Success
Ross Smith, already a dominant force on the European Tour this year, continued his impressive run at the Flanders Darts Trophy. This event marked the thirteenth European Tour tournament of the season, and Smith arrived as the leader of the European Tour Order of Merit. His journey to the final in Antwerp has been remarkable:
- April: Finalist at the European Darts Grand Prix.
- May: Winner of the International Darts Open.
- August: Winner of the Hungarian Darts Trophy.
In Antwerp, Smith showcased his championship pedigree by defeating strong opponents including Jeffrey de Graaf, Gerwyn Price, and Ryan Joyce, solidifying his status as a top contender.
Semi-Final Thriller: Smith Edges Out Van Veen
The semi-final clash between Ross Smith and Dutch rising star Gian van Veen (ranked third in the world among tournament participants) was a true spectacle. Van Veen had also impressed, beating notable players like Gabriel Clemens, Kevin Doets, and Chris Dobey on his way to the semis.
The match was a tight affair, with both players largely holding their own throws. Van Veen, who started the match, initiated the first break, taking a 4-2 lead. What followed was a flurry of three more breaks—one for Smith, one for Van Veen, and another for Smith—leaving Van Veen with a slight advantage at 5-4.
Both players then held their legs until the score reached 6-6, setting up a dramatic deciding leg. In this crucial moment, Smith managed to break Van Veen’s throw to secure a 7-6 victory. The tension was palpable as Van Veen agonizingly missed two match darts, allowing Smith to step in and check out a crucial 5 to clinch his spot in the final.
Match Statistics:
- Gian van Veen: Average 92.89 / Double Percentage 33.33%
- Ross Smith: Average 94.31 / Double Percentage 38.89%
Wade’s Resurgent Run: “The Machine” Powers Through
On the other side of the bracket, darts veteran James Wade, affectionately known as ‘The Machine’, delivered a powerful performance to reach his first European Tour final of the season. While he had previously won a Players Championship event in February, a European Tour final had eluded him until now.
Wade’s path to the semi-finals saw him overcome a series of formidable opponents:
- Jim Long
- Rob Cross
- Danny Noppert (who reached the quarter-finals)
His semi-final opponent, Australia’s Damon Heta, also had an impressive run, defeating Beau Greaves, Michael van Gerwen, Luke Woodhouse, and Nathan Aspinall.
Semi-Final Dominance: Wade Outshines Heta
The second semi-final began with Wade securing his opening leg. Heta responded with a strong 104-finish to hold his own. Wade then showcased his finishing prowess with a superb 124 checkout, followed by the first break of the match, putting him 3-1 ahead.
The momentum continued with Wade, who hit a fantastic 156 checkout, and Heta, who also held his throw. The middle of the match saw four consecutive breaks of throw, including another brilliant 117-finish from Wade. This flurry of breaks saw Wade extend his lead to 7-4.
With a comfortable advantage, ‘The Machine’ wasted no time, closing out the match with a 40-finish to secure a decisive victory and his place in the Flanders Darts Trophy final.
Match Statistics:
- James Wade: Average 97.50 / Double Percentage 46.67%
- Damon Heta: Average 94.00 / Double Percentage 40.00%
The Grand Finale: Smith vs. Wade
The stage is now set for an exhilarating final between the consistent Ross Smith and the resurgent James Wade. Both players have demonstrated incredible skill, resilience, and finishing power throughout the tournament. Darts fans can look forward to a high-stakes battle as they compete for the Flanders Darts Trophy title in Antwerp.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
