Ross Smith finally ended his long wait for a first European Tour title by winning the International Darts Open in Riesa, Germany, last weekend. The Englishman defeated compatriot Ryan Searle 8-3 in the final, capping a superb tournament and removing himself from the list of high-ranked players without a Euro Tour win.
Smith's victory immediately triggers an interesting reshuffle on that list. The dubious distinction of being the highest-ranked player still waiting for a first European Tour title now belongs to Dutchman Gian van Veen, the current world number three. Despite being regarded as one of the biggest talents in global darts and already having a major TV title – the European Championship – on his résumé, a European Tour crown is still missing. Given his consistency and impressive scoring power, it seems only a matter of time before Van Veen lifts his first title there.
Behind Van Veen are several established names who have also never won a European Tour event. Danny Noppert, currently ranked tenth in the world, remains empty-handed on this stage despite years at the top and his UK Open triumph. Ryan Searle, who once again missed out in Riesa, is also still chasing that first win. Players such as Chris Dobey, Jermaine Wattimena, and Luke Woodhouse also remain on the list. Dobey in particular stands out, as he has captured multiple TV titles in recent years but a European Tour success still eludes him.
From a Belgian perspective, Mike De Decker ranks high on the list. The Belgian has developed strongly and impressed on big stages, but a Euro Tour title has so far remained out of reach. With Ross Smith dropping off, the pressure on the remaining names only seems to grow. Heading into the upcoming Euro Tour weekends, extra attention will turn to players like Van Veen, Noppert, and Dobey, all hoping to finally remove themselves from this eye-catching list soon.
The next Euro Tour on the schedule takes place this coming weekend, with the Baltic Sea Darts Open on the program in Kiel. Gerwyn Price starts that tournament as defending champion after beating Gary Anderson 8-3 in last year's final.
