Ross Smith has finally achieved a career-defining moment, securing his maiden European Tour title at the 2026 International Darts Open (ET7)! After a remarkable 76 attempts and enduring four previous final losses, Smith triumphed over Ryan Searle in a high-quality final. This victory not only earned him the £35,000 prize money but also cemented his position in the prestigious PDC Top 16. His path to glory was filled with dramatic encounters and standout performances, culminating in a well-deserved breakthrough.
Ross Smith’s Dominant Journey to the Final
The International Darts Open was packed with drama from start to finish, with Smith showcasing exceptional form throughout the weekend. He became the seventh different winner on the PDC European Tour circuit this year, a testament to his consistent play.
- Opening Victory: Smith began his campaign with a brilliant 6-3 win against Joe Cullen on Saturday, boasting an impressive 102+ average and a 60% checkout rate.
- Grueling Battle: Sunday’s third round saw him in a tough contest with Ricardo Pietreczko. Pietreczko’s deliberate style, often used to manage dartitis, led to a tense and drawn-out affair. Smith eventually broke the German’s resistance in the tenth leg to secure a 6-4 victory, silencing the home crowd in Riesa.
- Quarter-Final Thriller: The 37-year-old then faced darts legend Michael van Gerwen. Despite Van Gerwen averaging seven points higher, Smith survived another back-and-forth battle to narrowly prevail 6-5.
- Semi-Final Whitewash: In the semi-finals, Smith found less resistance against Cameron Menzies. Menzies, playing in his first PDC European Tour semi-final after stunning Josh Rock and James Wade, couldn’t replicate his earlier comebacks. Smith dominated, romping to a resounding 7-0 whitewash victory.
The Thrilling Final Against Ryan Searle
Smith carried his momentum into the final, quickly establishing a 3-1 lead against Ryan Searle, including a crucial break of throw. While “Heavy Metal” Searle responded to halve the deficit, Smith soon pulled away, winning five of the next six legs to seal his victory.
A Long-Awaited Triumph: Smith’s Emotional Reaction
The relief was palpable as Smith finally claimed his first PDC European Tour title on his 76th attempt, having been a runner-up in four previous finals. His emotional words reflected the immense pressure and desire to win:
“I’m so happy to finally win one… It grates on your head, you think to yourself if you’re ever going to win one [a European Tour].”
“Yeah, finally, I’ve won a Players Championship title, a European Tour title and a major now – that was for my mum and dad!”
He also acknowledged the pain of past defeats and praised his opponent:
“It hurts [losing a European Tour final]… You don’t want to keep feeling like that, you try and push yourself, and remember you don’t want to feel like that again.”
“Ryan will win loads of these, he’s Ryan Searle, he’s fantastic, he definitely let me off in the final there.”
Ryan Searle’s Impressive Run and Future Prospects
Ryan Searle, despite already winning a Players Championship event in 2026, is still chasing his first PDC European Tour title. His journey to the Riesa final was a strong display of form, marking his first Euro Tour final since September 2024.
- Solid Start: Searle began with a 6-3 win over teenage talent Charlie Manby.
- Dominant Third Round: He then delivered a relentless 6-1 victory against the resurgent Kim Huybrechts.
- Quarter-Final Power: The 38-year-old hammered Gian van Veen in the quarter-finals, winning five of the last six legs to secure a 6-3 triumph against the World Darts Championship runner-up.
- Semi-Final Epic: Searle’s semi-final against Rob Cross was arguably the match of the tournament. Cross hit four 100+ checkouts, including back-to-back 164 and 170 finishes to level the match at 6-6. However, Searle emerged victorious with a fabulous 130 checkout on the bullseye against the former World Champion.
Reflecting on the final, Searle admitted: “My doubles were close, they just weren’t going in, but that happens sometimes! I think I shot my bolt against [Rob] Cross in the semi-final, I was a little bit flat in the final.”
Other Notable Performances
The International Darts Open also saw other players make significant impacts:
- Rob Cross’s Resilience: “Voltage” Cross had a fantastic run, surviving three match darts against Ryan Joyce in the quarter-finals before sealing a last-leg decider. Entering the tournament from the reserve list, his performance significantly boosted his chances for the World Matchplay in July.
- Cameron Menzies’ Breakthrough: Menzies, the other semi-finalist, also strengthened his prospects for the World Matchplay after reaching his first PDC European Tour semi-final. He surprised many by rallying from 4-0 down in previous rounds to secure two unexpected 6-4 wins against Josh Rock and James Wade.
What’s Next in the World of Darts
Following this brilliant weekend of action, the 2026 PDC European Tour continues with the Baltic Sea Darts Open (ET8) in Kiel, Germany, from May 29-31. This will be followed by a Players Championship double-header in Milton Keynes, kicking off a busy June calendar.
Amidst all the tour action, the conclusion of the 2026 Premier League looms large, with the Finals scheduled for Thursday, May 28, at London’s O2 Arena. Darts fans have plenty more to look forward to!
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
