Dave Chisnall sinks Ross Smith to claim European Darts Open glory

Dave Chisnall claimed his first title of the season at the European Darts Open crown after beating Ross Smith 8-6 in the final on Sunday.

The second seed hit back-to-back ton-plus finishes at Ostermann-Arena in Leverkusen, as he captured the seventh European Tour crown of his career.

Chisnall had not progressed beyond the third round in any of the previous seven European Tour events this season.

But the world number seven rounded off a timely upturn in fortunes by returning to the winners’ circle, and pocketing the top prize of £30,000.

“We didn’t play a great final,” he said. “I’m really good friends with Ross; we’ve had a great week. There has to be one winner and I’m glad it’s me.”

Chisnall had endured a mixed final day in Leverkusen. A 124 checkout was the highlight of his 6-4 win over Kevin Doets in the last 16, before he recovered from 5-3 down to edge out quarter-final opponent Ryan Searle.

‘Chizzy’ then hit checkouts of 121 and 102 as he comprehensively swept aside the in-form Damon Heta, who had taken out five ton-plus finishes across victories over Chris Dobey and Stephen Bunting, 7-1 in the semi-finals.

After the opening six legs were shared, the final began to swing Chisnall’s way in the seventh when Smith missed two darts at double 16 to break, before breaking himself with 76 on the way to a 6-3 advantage.

Runner-up to Gary Anderson in the European Darts Grand Prix, Smith was aiming to go one better this time around, and had come through closely fought encounters with Josh Rock, Gian van Veen and Michael Smith to reach the final.

The former European Championship winner came roaring back with a superb 144 finish, and broke back to level at 6-6.

However, despite hitting a 180 to leave himself on double 16, he could only watch as Chisnall fired in a 132 checkout on the bull to edge his nose back ahead.

Smith saw opportunities to set up a decider go begging, and was punished as his opponent took out 100 to seal victory.

“It hurts definitely,” the runner-up said. “It’s bugging me a bit, but full credit to Dave. He got over the line before me. That 132 finish was an absolute killer.

“I don’t want to be here to make numbers up. I want to win titles. I’ll just keep plodding along and doing my best, but I need to up my game in certain places.”

European Darts Open 2024 Day Three Results

Sunday June 23

Last 16
Owen Bates 0-6 Stephen Bunting
Damon Heta 6-5 Chris Dobey
Michael van Gerwen 3-6 Ryan Searle
Dave Chisnall 6-4 Kevin Doets
Dirk van Duijvenbode 4-6 Martin Schindler
Michael Smith 6-4 Peter Wright
Josh Rock 5-6 Ross Smith
Raymond van Barneveld 1-6 Gian van Veen

Quarter-Finals
Stephen Bunting 5-6 Damon Heta
Ryan Searle 5-6 Dave Chisnall
Martin Schindler 5-6 Michael Smith
Ross Smith 6-5 Gian van Veen

Semi-Finals
Damon Heta 1-7 Dave Chisnall
Michael Smith 5-7 Ross Smith

Final
Dave Chisnall 8-6 Ross Smith