Smith Reaches Pro Tour Milestone in Budapest
Ross Smith secured a significant career milestone at the Hungarian Darts Trophy, claiming his 10th PDC Pro Tour title. The victory makes him just the 25th player in history to reach double figures for Pro Tour crowns. Smith was in ruthless form in the final, sweeping past Gary Anderson to cap a superb weekend in Budapest.
The win underlines Smith’s standing as a formidable force on the circuit. He has now converted 10 of his 16 Pro Tour final appearances into titles, a record of efficiency that places him 20th on the all-time winners list. Anderson, for his part, will be buoyed by a strong run to the decider as he continues his bid for European Championship qualification.
Bunting and Williams Speak on Off-Oche Struggles
Away from the oche, Stephen Bunting recently shared a harrowing account of the impact of online abuse. The former 2014 BDO world champion revealed that a dispute over a nickname escalated to the point where his son was being bullied, forcing a move to a private school. Bunting, who has become a popular figure since his switch to the PDC, has built a strong connection with fans but spoke of the difficult personal battles that can occur away from the spotlight.
Scott Williams also spoke candidly about his own difficulties, revealing his recent form has been hampered by a bout of dartitis. The man known as ‘Shaggy’ admitted the condition has threatened his place on the PDC Tour and led to emotional moments, stating he has “cried on the Tour a couple of times this year.” Despite the turmoil, Williams noted he is feeling more positive while working with his sponsor, Target, on new equipment.
European Tour Focus Turns to Prague
The PDC European Tour continues its busy schedule with the Czech Darts Open, set to take place from 4-6 September. The twelfth event of the season will feature a 48-player field competing for a prize fund of £230,000.
The tournament is headlined by the return of Luke Littler to the European stage after several months away. He will face a formidable challenge from Luke Humphries, who has dominated the Prague event in recent years, winning three of the last four editions. With recent Budapest finalists Ross Smith and Gary Anderson also in a stacked field that includes Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price, Humphries will not have it all his own way. The form of several top players makes the outright winner market an interesting one for those who follow darts betting odds.
In brief
- At the MODUS Super Series, 1996 Lakeside Champion Steve Beaton was in action, while 68-year-old Mark Layton made a notable return to the televised stage.
- Across the Atlantic, the Championship Darts Corporation tour played its eighth, ninth, and tenth events in Illinois as the race for World Championship qualification intensifies.
