Michael Smith beaten by Ross Smith in European Championship Final

In his first TV final, Ross Smith produced an imperious display, averaging 101.32, hitting eight 180s and pinning 50 per cent of his double attempts.

Michael Smith also averaged over 100 and hit eight 180s in a high-quality final, but was never able to wrestle control away from his unrelenting rival.

The £120,000 in prize money lifts Ross Smith up to a career-high 20th on the PDC Order of Merit, and he also qualifies for next month's Cazoo Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.

Meanwhile, Michael Smith suffered heartbreak for a sixth time in a TV ranking final - and a third time inside 12 months following his losses in the World Championship and UK Open deciders.

The world number four produced memorable wins over Josh Rock, Luke Humphries and Dirk van Duijvenbode to reach the final but was once again left wondering what might have been.

"Every time Ross was on a ton-plus finish he was pinning it, fair play to him - he did what he needed to do to win," the St Helens ace reflected.

"My scoring wasn't the best but I wasn't too upset with myself at how I played. It's starting to become annoying [losing TV ranking finals] but I'll get there eventually.

"I've just got to keep going, keep believing and keep doing what I'm doing. Maybe I will win the next one, or the one after that. We'll see."

Dobey followed up his run to the World Grand Prix quarter-finals recently by reaching the semis in Dortmund, while Van Duijvenbode was denied his spot in a third TV final of the year by Michael Smith in the semi-finals.

2022 Cazoo European Championship.

Quarter-Finals.

Dirk van Duijvenbode 10-3 Danny Noppert.

Michael Smith 10-7 Luke Humphries.

Chris Dobey 10-7 Dave Chisnall.

Ross Smith 10-8 Peter Wright.

Semi-Finals.

Michael Smith 11-7 Dirk van Duijvenbode.

Ross Smith 11-9 Chris Dobey.

Final.

Ross Smith 11-8 Michael Smith.