Smith admits he had to "win ugly" for his second Euro crown

ROSS SMITH admits he had to “win ugly” after landing his second major title in just over a month.

The Dover thrower beat home favourite Martin Schindler 10-8 to win the European Championship in Dortmund on Sunday night.

Smith, 37, is now up to World No.6 and in line for a Premier League call-up for next year after withstanding a fierce comeback from the German.

It came just five weeks after taking the World Series in Amsterdam and four years since his first European Championship in 2022.

‘Smudger’ won £150,000 and said: “It’s actually amazing. Martin wouldn’t let up and full credit to him.

“To have this trophy in my hands and to win another major, I’m absolutely over the moon. Drained. I’m buzzing.

“That’s Martin all over to be fair. I’ve played Martin many times on the circuit and he’s fantastic. He’s a really lovely guy as well.

“But my God he’s hard to play. He’s a fighter. The crowd were absolutely superb tonight. They were so respectful.

“I just play the game in front of me. I try and win the game. Every game I play is a final. I don’t really know what to say to be fair. That’s for my mum and dad.”

Smith overcame Luke Woodhouse in the quarters and Gerwyn Price in the semis to reach the final.

He added: “It’s a strange one. This is me being honest. I don’t think I played great this week. I had a really good game against Luke Woodhouse. I think a lot of players have let me off as well. Sometimes you’ve got to win ugly and I’m proud of doing that as well.

“You have got to dig deep. It’s not always about playing well. You have got to really fight hard. I think I’ve done that this weekend. I’m proud of myself.”

On the potential of playing in the Premier League, he said: “It’s up to Mr Porter and Mr Hearn. It’s not up to me. I’d love to be in it. I keep doing what I’m doing. Loving the darts and enjoying it.”

Schindler, who picked up £80,000, was in tears on stage with the huge home support cheering his name.

He said: “I have to say when I was starting 10 years ago I didn’t expect anything and now I was in a major final and I tried everything to win that one.

“Fair play to Ross he was playing good. I lost but I’m really happy.”