Riesa, Germany – The International Darts Open is set for a thrilling climax as Ryan Searle and Ross Smith prepare to battle for their first-ever European Tour title. Both players have reached this stage before, only to fall short, making tonight’s final a highly anticipated clash. Searle secured his spot in a nail-biting encounter, triumphing over former world champion Rob Cross with a spectacular 130 checkout on the bullseye. Smith, on the other hand, delivered a dominant performance, whitewashing Cameron Menzies 7-0 to book his place in the final.
The Semi-Final Showdowns
Searle vs. Cross: A Darts Epic
The first semi-final delivered an absolute classic between two English stalwarts, Ryan Searle and Rob Cross. Searle, known as ‘Heavy Metal’, had shown formidable form throughout the tournament, dispatching Charlie Manby (6-3), Kim Huybrechts (6-1), and Gian van Veen (6-3) on his way to the last four. His opponent, Rob Cross (‘Voltage’), a former world champion and the only player left in the draw with a previous Euro Tour title, had reached his second consecutive Euro Tour semi-final after defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode (6-5), Stephen Bunting (6-2), and Ryan Joyce (6-5).
The match began with an exhibition of strong holding, as the first five legs all went with the throw, including a brilliant 126 checkout from Cross in the second leg. The first break of throw came in the sixth leg when Searle capitalized on Cross missing double 18 for a 110 finish, hitting tops to go 4-2 up. However, Searle’s lead was short-lived. Cross immediately broke back with a rapid 13-dart leg. The seesaw battle continued, and Cross failed to consolidate his break, allowing Searle to regain control and move 5-3 ahead in 17 darts.
The drama intensified. ‘Voltage’ clawed his way back with a stunning 130 finish, marking the fourth consecutive break of throw and bringing the score to 5-4. Yet again, Cross couldn’t level the match. Searle responded with an incredible 11-dart leg to reach match point at 6-4. What followed was a display of pure class from the former world champion. With his back against the wall, Cross produced two magnificent checkouts: a 164 finish followed by a majestic 170 finish, forcing a deciding thirteenth leg at 6-6. Both players stood on a finish after just nine darts in the decider, but it was ‘Heavy Metal’ who sealed his spot in the final in sensational style, hitting a magnificent 130 checkout on the bullseye to clinch a thrilling victory.
Semi-Final 1 Statistics:
- Ryan Searle: Average 98.35 / Double Percentage 58.3%
- Rob Cross: Average 100.10 / Double Percentage 42.9%
Smith’s Dominance: A Whitewash Win
The second semi-final saw another Englishman, Ross Smith, take on Scotland’s Cameron Menzies. Smith, known as ‘Smudger’, had overcome tough opponents on his journey, including Joe Cullen (6-3), Ricardo Pietreczko (6-4), and a close 6-5 victory against darts legend Michael van Gerwen. Menzies, meanwhile, reached a significant career milestone by making his first-ever European Tour semi-final. His impressive run included victories over Michael Unterbuchner (6-5), Josh Rock (6-4), Martin Schindler (6-2), and James Wade (6-4), remarkably coming back from 4-0 deficits against both Rock and Wade.
However, the semi-final itself was a stark contrast to Menzies’s earlier comeback heroics. Smith started the match with incredible sharpness, immediately breaking Menzies’s throw in the first leg with a superb 146 checkout, leaving Menzies waiting on double 12. Menzies had a chance to break back in the next leg but failed to hit double 19 for a 57 finish, allowing Smith to take a 2-0 lead with a 16-dart leg. ‘Smudger’ continued his relentless charge, extending his lead to 4-0 with a 70 finish and showing no signs of slowing down.
Menzies finally had opportunities to get on the scoreboard in leg five, but three missed darts at a double proved costly. Smith pounced, securing his third break of the match with a 14-dart leg. He then consolidated this break in the next leg, holding his throw in 17 darts to go 6-0 up. The inevitable then occurred: a whitewash. With a clinical 13-dart leg, Ross Smith completed a dominant 7-0 victory. After four previous Euro Tour final losses, ‘Smudger’ will be hoping this is finally his moment to lift the trophy.
Semi-Final 2 Statistics:
- Ross Smith: Average 97.42 / Double Percentage 63.6%
- Cameron Menzies: Average 89.49 / Double Percentage 0%
The Grand Final Awaits
With both players having overcome significant challenges – Searle in a thrilling last-leg decider and Smith with a commanding display – the stage is set for an unforgettable final. Both Ryan Searle and Ross Smith are desperate to secure their maiden European Tour title, promising a high-stakes encounter where nerves and skill will be tested to their limits. Who will emerge victorious and etch their name into darts history in Riesa?
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
