Darts Glory: Smith and Price Set for Epic European Grand Prix Showdown!
The European Darts Grand Prix in Sindelfingen culminated in a thrilling final between Ross Smith and Gerwyn Price. Dutch talent Wessel Nijman made a significant impact, reaching the semi-finals after an impressive run that included a dominant win over compatriot Michael van Gerwen. The tournament saw intense battles, dramatic comebacks, and top-tier darting action, setting the stage for a highly anticipated championship clash.
Journey to the Semi-Finals: Dutch Hopes and Close Calls
While many eyes were on the established Dutch stars, it was Wessel Nijman who emerged as the Netherlands’ top performer, securing a coveted spot in the semi-finals. His path included a remarkable victory in the third quarter-final against fellow Dutchman Michael van Gerwen. In a match where Van Gerwen struggled significantly, averaging a mere 82.57, Nijman seized control early.
- Nijman quickly established a 3-1 lead.
- He extended his advantage to 5-2 with impressive finishes of 96 and 121.
- Van Gerwen missed a crucial double on a 160-finish attempt in the eighth leg, allowing Nijman to seal a dominant 6-2 victory via double 16.
Another Dutch hopeful, Danny Noppert, faced a tough challenge against Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski. Their quarter-final clash was a nail-biter, ending 6-5 in Ratajski’s favour.
- Ratajski started strong, claiming the first three legs with finishes of 72 and 98.
- Noppert mounted a fierce comeback, winning the next three legs with finishes of 59, 76, and 123 to level the score at 3-3.
- The match saw legs go with the throw until the ninth, where Ratajski missed four crucial doubles, enabling Noppert to break with double 5.
- However, Ratajski immediately broke back with an 11-dart leg and then held his own throw in 17 darts to secure his semi-final spot.
The other quarter-finals also delivered high drama:
- Ross Smith overcame the most recent Euro Tour winner, Nathan Aspinall, with a convincing 6-4 victory.
- Gerwyn Price demonstrated incredible resilience, surviving a match dart against Martin Schindler before ultimately defeating him 6-5 in a tense encounter.
Semi-Final Showdowns: The Path to the Final
With the final four set, the tension was palpable as players battled for a spot in the championship match.
Smith Dominates Ratajski
The first semi-final pitted Ross Smith against Krzysztof Ratajski. Smith started exceptionally well, immediately putting pressure on the Pole.
- Smith quickly secured the first three legs, including two impressive 14-dart finishes.
- Ratajski fought back with an 11- and an 18-darter, but couldn’t break Smith to level the score.
- Smith maintained his advantage, reaching match point at 6-4 with legs in 14, 15, and 21 darts.
- Ratajski kept his hopes alive with a crucial 11-dart, 84-finish to make it 6-5, but Smith ultimately closed out the match with double 10, securing his place in the Sindelfingen final.
Price Exacts Revenge on Nijman
The second semi-final was a highly anticipated rematch of an earlier Euro Tour final this year, where Wessel Nijman had famously defeated Gerwyn Price 8-3 to claim his first European Tour title. This time, the encounter was much closer in the early stages.
- The first seven legs all went with the throw, showcasing both players’ strong starts.
- Nijman held his legs with 14-, 18-, and 11-dart finishes, including 68 and 87 checkouts.
- Price, starting the match, held his legs in 16, 17, 14, and 15 darts, featuring 67 and 100 finishes, to take a 4-3 lead.
- A crucial moment occurred in leg 8 when Nijman missed five darts at a double to level the match at 4-4.
- Price capitalized on this, securing the first break of the match via double 3.
- “The Iceman” then consolidated his break with a 14-darter in his own leg, extending his lead to 6-3.
- Nijman managed to hold his next leg with an important 107-finish, but it was too little, too late.
- Price emphatically closed out the match with a 12-darter and a spectacular 120-finish in leg 11, defeating Nijman 7-4 and advancing to his second Euro Tour final of the year.
Tournament at a Glance: Key Results
Quarter-Finals
- Krzysztof Ratajski 6-5 Danny Noppert
- Ross Smith 6-4 Nathan Aspinall
- Wessel Nijman 6-2 Michael van Gerwen
- Gerwyn Price 6-5 Martin Schindler
Semi-Finals
- Ross Smith 7-5 Krzysztof Ratajski
- Gerwyn Price 7-4 Wessel Nijman
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
