SINDELFINGEN, Germany – Gerwyn Price produced a merciless display of power scoring and clinical finishing to dismantle Michael Smith 8–4 in the final of the European Grand Prix, seizing the title in emphatic style on Sunday night.
The Welshman, who had looked ominous all weekend, delivered a masterclass in front of a packed crowd at the Glaspalast. From the opening leg, Price sent an unmistakable message, holding his throw with a 12-darter and breaking Smith immediately with a stunning 121 checkout on the bullseye.
“Iceman” was at his ruthless best, averaging over 105 for the match and hitting six 180s. While Smith—the world champion and pre-match favourite—fought back to level at 2–2, it proved a false dawn. Price unleashed a blistering run of four consecutive legs, punctuated by a 170 finish that brought the German crowd to its feet.
Smith’s frustration was palpable. The St Helens star struggled to find consistent doubles, missing five crucial attempts at a checkout in the seventh leg alone. Price, in contrast, was clinical, converting 50% of his attempts at the outer ring.
The turning point came in the tenth leg. With Smith threatening a breakback, Price pinned a pressure-cooker 96 checkout on double 18, then broke Smith’s throw once more with a 14-darter. At 7–3, the result was a formality. Smith saved one match point with a gutsy 108 finish, but Price sealed glory on his next visit, calmly slotting double top.
After claiming the £30,000 winner’s cheque, a typically combative Price said: “I came here to dominate, and that’s what I did. Michael’s a great player, but tonight I wasn’t going to let anyone stand in my way. This is for everyone who doubts me.”
For Smith, who was denied his first European Tour title of the year, the post-match reflection was brief. “Gerwyn was relentless,” he admitted. “I couldn’t get a foothold. He just didn’t miss.”
The victory marks Price’s second European Tour win of 2024 and sends a clear warning to his rivals ahead of the upcoming World Series finals. If this performance is anything to go by, the Iceman’s ruthless streak is far from thawing.
