Michael Smith wins International Darts Open at Riesa

Michael Smith secured the second European Tour title of his career as he defeated Benito van de Pas to win the International Darts Open at Riesa in Germany on Sunday.

After a slow start to the weekend, Smith returned to form on the final day, producing some outstanding darts to defeat Terry Jenkins, Ian White and Van de Pas on his way to victory on a day which saw Michael van Gerwen's 100 per cent record on the European Tour this year ended.

Smith's path to glory was not simple, though, as the Bully Boy won through in a deciding leg against Jenkins in the opening game of the day, with a fifth-leg 129 checkout the highlight.

White provided another tough test for Smith in the semis as the 44-year-old also entered the match on the back of a dramatic 6-5 victory as he edged a stunning clash with Stephen Bunting - which included 11 180s - averaging 105.12.

With just one leg in the match at 4-3, Smith turned on the style as he first checked out 150 in the penultimate leg before finishing the job in the next with an exhibition 120 finish hitting 20, bull, bull.

The St Helens thrower then held his nerve in the final as he kicked on after an even start to the match to break twice and open up a commanding three-leg lead at 5-2.

Smith missed six match darts in the penultimate leg but it did not stop him from swiftly wrapping up the victory as he recorded his highest checkout of the match in the final leg, taking out 88 on double seven to claim the £25,000 top prize.

"I'm really chuffed, this is one of the best tournaments I've ever played in and I'm unbeaten in east Germany and it's two out of two here for me now," said Smith.

"I've had to settle down and I've had to become a man. I went back to being a boy again and so I had to grow up, I had to be steady and I had to be focused.

"I put on Twitter and Facebook this morning that it would be a great Father's Day present for me and my dad if I won here today and that's exactly what I've done so I'm delighted."

After becoming the first man to beat world No 1 Van Gerwen in this year's European Tour in the final game of the afternoon, Van de Pas saw off the tricky test of Justin Pipe in the last eight, winning 6-4.

The 22-year-old continued his brilliant form in his next match as he landed an exceptional 167 checkout in the final leg to defeat Kim Huybrechts - who had earlier seen off Dave Chisnall - to reach his first European Tour final.