Smith storms to stunning World Series Finals triumph

ROSS SMITH says a “good kick up the backside” has sparked his stunning World Series Finals title triumph.

The world No14 claimed his second major title and the £100,000 top prize after thrashing Gerwyn Price 11-5 in the final at Amsterdam with a stunning 103.99 average and ELEVEN maximums.

Smith, 37, hit two ton-plus checkouts to see off Gian van Veen 11-8 in the semi-final, having earlier averaged 97.54 in his 10-7 quarter-final win over Josh Rock.

The Dover thrower admitted he was still struggling to take in the magnitude of his success after bouncing back from first-round exits at the Australian and New Zealand Masters.

He said: “It feels a bit mad, to be fair. I am absolutely made up with the win. Jesus Christ, I am just so happy.

“You are playing Gerwyn Price, one of the best players in the world. You have to up your game.

“To beat this man, wow. I take each game as it comes and play one game at a time. Every game I play is a final.

“I give it my all. It’s working for me at the moment. I try not to look beyond that. Honestly, I am made up.

“Sometimes things happen for a reason. I believe in fate. Since the World Series on the Euro Tour, everything has clicked.

“Sometimes you need a good kick up the backside. That is what has done it. I am very grateful to be here.”

Price admitted he was gutted by the defeat but insisted he was not going to dwell on missing out on another Premier event crown.

He added: “I was absolutely rubbish in that final. I won’t take anything away from Ross. He was brilliant.

“He took his opportunities and big checkouts at the right time. I am very disappointed.

“I don’t care. I am playing some good darts, earning some good money. If I never win a major again, I really don’t care as long as I am doing well.

“Obviously, I am gutted that I have lost. If I never win another major, I have a good family. I have invested all my money.

“I don’t mind. I am absolutely gutted today. But I am doing well. For half an hour I will be gutted.

“Tomorrow I will be on the train on the way home. Tuesday I am going to Tenerife, so I really don’t mind.”

Smith edged 3-2 ahead at the break with an 11-darter in the final leg, averaging 104.83 compared to Price’s 88.91.

The pair then exchanged breaks of throw to leave the score tied at 5-5, with Smith unable to build on his lead despite firing in NINE maximums.

Smudger produced back-to-back big finishes, taking out 123 on the bull before following it with a superb 127 checkout to move 7-5 ahead.

The former European champ then capitalised on several missed darts at double from Price to rattle off back-to-back legs and gain a 9-5 advantage.

Smith held his nerve and sealed the deal by firing in double 16 to sink Price at the AFAS Live.

Words: Aaron Nijjar