Ross Smith Storms To Second European Tour Title at the Hungarian Darts Trophy
Ross Smith Storms To Second European Tour Title at the Hungarian Darts Trophy
Ross Smith produced a ruthless display to defeat Gary Anderson 8-2 and claim his second European Tour title of 2026 at the Hungarian Darts Trophy in Budapest on Sunday.
Smith completed a memorable weekend at the MVM Dome by cruising to victory in the showpiece, securing the £35,000 top prize in front of a record European Tour crowd of almost 6,000 fans.
The 37-year-old – who won his maiden European Tour title at May’s International Darts Open – produced another clinical performance on Finals Day to cap off an outstanding run in the Hungarian capital.
Having begun Sunday with an impressive 6-2 victory over William O’Connor, Smith overcame Jonny Clayton 6-4 in the quarter-finals, converting 60% of his attempts at double to book his place in the last four.
The former European Champion then dispatched Danny Noppert 7-3 in the semi-finals, setting up a third European Tour final of the year against Scottish legend Anderson.
Smith made the perfect start to the final, establishing a 2-1 lead after producing checkouts of 103 and 124, before moving through the gears to take complete control.
A five-leg burst put Smith within touching distance of the title, and although Anderson attempted to stem the tide, the Englishman remained relentless.
Smith ultimately sealed the title in style, producing an 11-dart break of throw to complete an emphatic 8-2 victory, averaging 101 and converting 73% of his attempts at double.
“I feel a bit in disbelief in a way because I was coming here on the back of two losses in the World Series,” reflected Smith, who rises to world number 15 following his triumph.
“Playing Gary – it’s Gary Anderson isn’t it, he’s a legend. To be able to beat Gary, wow.”
The victory also sees Smith move to the top of the 2026 European Tour rankings, leapfrogging fellow two-time champion Wessel Nijman.
The title represents another significant milestone in what has become a breakthrough year for Smith, who has now reached three European Tour finals in 2026.
“At the end of the day, I’m playing in front of thousands and thousands of people,” continued Smith.
“This is my job, wow! I’m so grateful, it’s a pinch myself moment.
“I absolutely love the European Tour. To travel the world and see everything and take my little lad with me, it’s an absolute privilege.”
While Smith enjoyed another landmark triumph, Anderson also enjoyed an impressive campaign in Budapest as he strengthened his hopes of qualifying for the European Championship.
The two-time World Champion entered the tournament having won just one European Tour match in 2026, but rediscovered his best form to reach his first final on the circuit since July last year.
Anderson began his run with a sensational 105.27 average in a 6-2 demolition of Krzysztof Ratajski, before edging past Stephen Bunting in a last-leg decider to reach the quarter-finals.
The Scottish veteran continued his run with another ton-plus average against Gian van Veen, prevailing in another deciding-leg thriller before surviving five match darts against Nathan Aspinall to reach the final.
Despite ultimately falling short against Smith, Anderson was pleased with his unexpected run to the showpiece.
“I ran out of steam a long time ago!” joked Anderson, who was featuring in just his third European Tour event of the year.
“Making the final was sheer luck, it was a gift from the gods I got this far.
“Ross has been brilliant throughout the day. We watched him during the second game, he was fantastic.
“We’ve got a few tournaments left to get into the Finals, so I’m going to give it my damnedest.”
Noppert also enjoyed another strong showing in Budapest, reaching the semi-finals after defeating Ryan Searle and Dirk van Duijvenbode on Finals Day.
Aspinall joined the Dutchman in the last four, overcoming Michael van Gerwen and Chris Dobey in hard-fought contests.
Earlier in the afternoon, Van Duijvenbode defeated former World Champion Rob Cross 6-4 to reach another European Tour quarter-final, while Chisnall dispatched Keane Barry 6-2 to reach his second Finals Day of the season.
Van Veen extended his winning record against Jermaine Wattimena to five consecutive victories, while Dobey produced a spectacular Big Fish checkout to complete a 6-3 victory over Josh Rock.
The European Tour now heads to Prague next weekend for the Czech Darts Open, which takes place from September 4-6 as the race for qualification for November’s European Championship intensifies.
Ross Smith Storms To Second European Tour Title at the Hungarian Darts Trophy
2026 Hungarian Darts Trophy
Sunday August 30
Afternoon Session
Round Three
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-4 Rob Cross
Danny Noppert 6-4 Ryan Searle
Ross Smith 6-4 Jonny Clayton
Dave Chisnall 6-2 Keane Barry
Gian van Veen 6-3 Jermaine Wattimena
Gary Anderson 6-5 Stephen Bunting
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Michael van Gerwen
Chris Dobey 6-3 Josh Rock
Evening Session
Quarter-Finals
Danny Noppert 6-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Ross Smith 6-2 Dave Chisnall
Gary Anderson 6-5 Gian van Veen
Nathan Aspinall 6-5 Chris Dobey
Semi-Finals
Ross Smith 7-3 Danny Noppert
Gary Anderson 7-6 Nathan Aspinall
Final
Ross Smith 8-2 Gary Anderson
