In a thrilling conclusion to the World Series of Darts Finals in Amsterdam, England’s Ross Smith delivered a sensational performance to defeat Welsh favourite Gerwyn Price 11-5 in a captivating final. Smith, nicknamed ‘Smudger’, showcased exceptional precision and composure, averaging an impressive 103.89 and hitting nearly 46% of his doubles to secure his second major career title. The tournament also saw a strong showing from Dutch talent Gian van Veen, who reached the semi-finals before falling to the eventual champion. This victory marks a significant milestone for Smith, asserting his place among darts’ elite.
The Road to Amsterdam’s Darts Spectacle
The World Series of Darts Finals brought together 48 of the sport’s finest players to the AFAS Live arena in Amsterdam, culminating in a dramatic Sunday evening showdown. Over several days, players battled through intense knockout rounds, all vying for one of darts’ most prestigious titles.
Semi-Final Showdowns: Dreams Dashed and Finals Forged
The semi-final stage saw two gripping contests, setting the scene for the ultimate clash:
- Dutch Hopes Dashed: Local fans had much to cheer for as rising star Gian van Veen made a remarkable run to the semi-finals. However, his journey was halted by the eventual champion, Ross Smith, who secured an 11-8 victory, earning his spot in the final. Smith, known as ‘Smudger’, demonstrated his consistent scoring power throughout the match.
- The Iceman’s Path: In an all-Welsh encounter, former world champion Gerwyn Price faced off against Jonny Clayton. ‘The Iceman’ proved too strong for his compatriot, winning 11-7. This victory marked Price’s second appearance in the World Series of Darts Finals championship match, eager to add another major title to his impressive resume.
The Grand Finale: Smith’s Masterclass Against Price
The final between Ross Smith and Gerwyn Price promised fireworks, and it certainly delivered. Both players started sharply, trading blows in a high-octane opening.
Early Exchanges and Price’s First Break:
- Smith held his opening leg with a swift 16-dart finish, narrowly missing a 167 checkout for an early break.
- Price quickly responded, taking his first leg with a 66-finish.
- ‘The Iceman’ then secured the first break of throw, capitalising on a missed opportunity from Smith to lead 2-1. (A ‘break of throw’ in darts means winning a leg that your opponent started, similar to breaking serve in tennis.)
- However, Smith immediately hit back, firing in a 180 and securing two quick legs with finishes of 61 and 41 to take a 3-2 lead into the first interval.
A Tense Middle Session:
After the break, the match remained incredibly tight. Price levelled the score, but Smith continued to press. He smartly navigated a 170 setup to double-16, then secured another crucial break of throw after Price faltered on his doubles, opening up a 5-3 lead. Yet, Price refused to yield, breaking straight back with a clinical double-20. The session concluded with both players trading maximums, and Price ultimately levelling the score at 5-5 with a 44-finish.
Smith Takes Control: The Decisive Surge
The turning point arrived in the third session. This is where Ross Smith truly stamped his authority on the match. He unleashed a phenomenal run, winning five consecutive legs with incredible accuracy and composure.
- Smith began his surge with a brilliant 123-finish.
- He followed this with a stunning 127-finish, showcasing his mastery of the big checkouts.
- Capitalising on Price’s missed doubles, Smith steadily built his lead, reaching 8-5, then 9-5.
- Price’s struggles on the doubles became evident, missing three darts at tops in one leg, which Smith punished by taking the leg from 16.
- Another two missed darts at double-20 from Price allowed Smith to clean up 16, putting him on match point at 10-5.
Victory Secured: A Second Major Title
After a final short interval, Smith returned to the oche needing just one more leg for glory. With his first match dart, he calmly hit double-16, sealing an emphatic 11-5 victory over Gerwyn Price. This triumph marks Ross Smith’s second major title, a testament to his rising stature in the world of darts.
Match Statistics: A Tale of Precision
The final statistics underscore Ross Smith’s dominant performance:
- Ross Smith:
- Average: 103.89
- Double Percentage: 45.83%
- Gerwyn Price:
- Average: 97.28
- Double Percentage: 26.32%
Smith’s superior average and significantly higher double percentage were key factors in his commanding win, showcasing a masterclass in finishing under pressure.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Actueel.
