Smith claims second European title with 11-8 win over Schindler

Ross Smith clinched the Machineseeker European Championship in Dortmund, defeating German qualifier Martin Schindler 11‑8 in the final. It was Smith’s second title at the event, the first coming earlier this season when he upset a field of seasoned pros. The win gives him a 12‑point bonus on the PDC Order of Merit and a place in the 2025 World Championship in December.

The tournament was a surprise package. The defending champion, John Littler, was knocked out in the quarter‑finals by a rising youngster, while several seeded players lost early. Smith’s victory marks the first time an Australian has won the European title twice, a milestone that underscores the growing international reach of the sport. The event is one of the most prestigious stops on the PDC circuit after the World Series of Darts, and it attracts the top 16 players from Europe each year.

Smith’s 11‑8 win was a hard‑fought affair. He started strong, taking a 4‑1 lead, but Schindler rallied in the middle of the match, pushing the score to 6‑6. Smith steadied himself in the final set, hitting a 170 checkout and a 180 on the way to a 3‑2 finish. He finished the match with a 100.3 three‑dart average, while Schindler’s average hovered around 95. The crowd in Dortmund was electric, with many fans chanting for the underdog when Schindler’s comeback threatened. After the match