By Salma El-Sakka
Ross Smith secured his second major title in six weeks by winning the European Championship in Dortmund, Germany. The 37-year-old top seed delivered a strong performance throughout the weekend, eventually defeating home favorite Martin Schindler 11-8 in a hard-fought final.
Littler's Quest for a Major Sweep Ends
The tournament marked a significant setback for 19-year-old Luke Littler, whose pursuit of winning all major televised events—a feat achieved only by Michael van Gerwen—was halted. Littler suffered a surprising quarter-final defeat to Krzysztof Ratajski, a result described as one of the most unexpected of his young career.
After a dominant run earlier in the year, including a record-breaking World Matchplay victory in July, Littler's recent form has faltered. Following exits in the World Series of Darts and the World Grand Prix, his quarter-final loss in Dortmund suggests a period of vulnerability for the young star.
Smith's Dominant Run and Schindler's Historic Achievement
Ross Smith, who rose to number six in the world following this victory, demonstrated exceptional form by overcoming Luke Woodhouse in the quarter-finals and Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals. Smith expressed his excitement after the win, noting the intense pressure of the final against the partisan crowd in the Westfalenhalle.
While Smith celebrated his second major title since winning the World Series of Darts Finals in September, the tournament also provided a historic moment for German darts. Martin Schindler became the first German player to reach the final of a major televised event.
