PDC European Darts Trophy: Michael Smith beats Michael van Gerwen 6-5 in final
Monday 22 September 2014 08:21, UK
England’s Michael Smith stunned world No 1 Michael van Gerwen to win the PDC European Darts Trophy in Leipzig, Germany.
Smith, a former world youth champion, landed his first ranking event title of the year after holding his nerve to see off Dutchman Van Gerwen 6-5 in a thrilling final.
Smith booked his place in the final courtesy of 6-4 victories over Jamie Pipe and Andy Hamilton in the quarter and semi-finals on Sunday and made MVG his latest high-profile scalp after famously taking down Phil Taylor at this year's World Championship.
Van Gerwen started the final as heavy favourite to clinch the title after sweeping past Simon Whitlock 6-1 and Dean Winstanley 6-2 to book a date with Merseysider Smith.
And, after clinically taking out 104 on double 16 to move 3-0 ahead in the final, Van Gerwen looked a certainty to lift the trophy.
But Smith gradually came back out the reigning world champion, breaking for 3-2 and then landing tops under pressure to tie the contest at 4-4.
Smith then snatched the lead for the first time with a sensational 158 checkout, hitting two treble 20s and double 19.
MVG levelled for 5-5 to force a decider but Smith took out 100 on double 10 to win his first PDC title of the year at the fifth attempt.
