Just under 24 000 fans created an impressive atmosphere at the Hungarian Darts Trophy at the MVM Dome in Budapest over the course of three days. Spectators flocked to the Hungarian capital for the eleventh event of this year’s PDC European Tour. On Sunday evening, a new attendance record for a single session was set, with just under 6 000 fans in attendance.
In sporting terms, Ross Smith ultimately came out on top. The Englishman was crowned the winner of the Hungarian Darts Trophy, securing his second title on the PDC European Tour this season.
Smith marched confidently through the tournament
Ross Smith got off to a strong start in the tournament. In the second round, the Englishman beat William O’Connor 6:2. Smith impressed with an average of over 100 points and a double percentage of 54,55 per cent.
In the round of 16, Jonny Clayton was the next challenge for Smith. The two engaged in a nerve-wracking duel, in which Smith kept his nerve at the decisive moment. ‘Smudger’ eventually won 6:4 to reach the quarter-finals.
There, the Englishman left nothing to chance against Dave Chisnall. With a commanding performance, Smith secured his place in the semi-finals. He remained focused, defeating Dutchman Danny Noppert.
Smith gave Gary Anderson no chance in the final
The final ultimately pitted Ross Smith against Scottish darts legend Gary Anderson. But even in the final, Smith was unstoppable.
Right from the start of the match, the Englishman raced into a 6:1 lead, at times posting an average of just under 110 points. Smith then controlled the match and confidently held on to his lead right to the finish line winning 8:2.
In the end, he recorded a convincing 101-point average and a double percentage of just under 73 per cent. Smith thus deservedly secured the title at the Hungarian Darts Trophy.
After his triumph, Smith himself appeared visibly overwhelmed by his success.
“I’m a bit in shock, to be honest. Especially as I came here on the back of two defeats in the World Series. I’ve proved to myself today that I’ve got very strong nerves. And to beat a legend like Gary Anderson in the final – that’s just incredible.”
Historic debut on the European Tour
On Friday evening, Beau Greaves made darts history once again. In the fifth match of the evening session, the Englishwoman took to the stage, becoming the first woman to compete in a match on the European Tour.
And Greaves immediately put in an impressive performance on her historic debut. With an average of 104,88 points and a double percentage of 55,56, she was locked in a top-class duel with Rob Cross. In the end, however, she was narrowly defeated 5:6 by the 2018 world champion.
Despite the defeat, this debut leaves darts fans wanting more. Greaves will have further opportunities to secure her first win at the upcoming European Tour events in Prague and Antwerp.
Local heroes leave their mark
On Friday evening, the two host-nation qualifiers, Laszlo Kadar and Nandor Major, provided another highlight for Hungarian darts. Both made it through to the second round, creating a historic moment on the European Tour.
Kadar prevailed 6:5 in a nail-biting thriller against multiple major champion Daryl Gurney. The Hungarian thus made a perfect debut on the European Tour.
His compatriot Nandor Major also showed nerves of steel in the decider. In the alldeciding leg, Major finished off 124 points to win the match, thereby also securing his place in the second round.
This means that, for the first time in the history of a European Tour event, two Hungarian players have reached the second round at the same time.
Next stop: Prague
The European Tour continues as early as this coming weekend. The tour will then head to Prague, where the twelfth tournament of the season will take place.
