The Surprising Semifinal Exit of Michael van Gerwen at the European Darts Grand Prix
The European Darts Grand Prix saw a surprising semifinal exit for the legendary Michael van Gerwen. The Dutchman, known as “Mighty Mike,” fell short against his opponent, Ross Smith, in a thrilling encounter.
Van Gerwen started the match strongly, securing a 5-2 lead with impressive performances, including two 15-darters and a 16-darter. However, Smith refused to be deterred and responded with a remarkable sequence of two 180s to kick off the eighth leg, followed by a 12-darter to make it 3-5.
The match took a dramatic turn when Van Gerwen missed a shot at the double top, allowing Smith to capitalize and reduce the deficit to 4-5. The two players continued to trade blows, with Smith equalizing at 5-5 after a 13-darter in the tenth leg.
“In a bizarre moment, Van Gerwen’s bust on 80 in the 11th leg gave Smith the opportunity to take the lead, which he promptly seized with a 25 checkout.”
Undeterred, Van Gerwen immediately broke back with a 12-darter, setting up a tense final leg. Both players had chances to clinch the match, but ultimately, it was Smith who prevailed, securing his first-ever Euro Tour final appearance with a clinical finish on his first match dart. The victory was a testament to Smith’s resilience and ability to capitalize on his opponent’s missed opportunities.
This semifinal clash at the European Darts Grand Prix showcased the unpredictable nature of the sport, as the experienced Van Gerwen was unable to secure his place in the final, paving the way for an exciting new chapter in the career of Ross Smith.
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