Smith dominates Anderson to claim Hungarian Darts Trophy in Budapest

Ross Smith produced a dominant display to defeat Gary Anderson 8-2 and win the Hungarian Darts Trophy in Budapest on Sunday, securing his second European Tour title of the 2026 season.

Smith controlled the final from the outset at the MVM Dome, with almost 6,000 fans watching the Englishman claim another major European Tour success.

The 32-year-old moved into a 2-1 lead after producing impressive checkouts of 103 and 124, before taking control with five consecutive legs to move within touching distance of the title.

Smith then sealed the victory in style, breaking Anderson’s throw with an 11-dart leg. He finished with an average of 101 and converted an impressive 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,” Smith said after the final.

The victory lifted Smith to world number 15 and earned him the £35,000 winner’s prize.

Beating a player of Anderson’s stature made the achievement even more special for Smith.

“It’s Gary Anderson, isn’t it? He’s a legend. To be able to beat Gary, wow,” he said.

Smith also moved to the top of the 2026 European Tour rankings, moving ahead of fellow two-time winner Wessel Nijman.

The Englishman admitted he was overwhelmed by the support he received throughout the tournament.

“At the end of the day, I’m playing in front of thousands and thousands of people,” Smith said.

“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.”

Anderson strengthens European Championship hopes

Although Gary Anderson fell short in the final, his run to the Budapest showpiece significantly strengthened his hopes of qualifying for the European Championship.

The Scottish veteran recorded four European Tour victories during the weekend, beginning with a 6-2 win over Krzysztof Ratajski, where he produced an impressive 105.27 average.

Anderson then edged past Stephen Bunting in a deciding leg before overcoming Gian van Veen in another last-leg thriller.

His toughest challenge came against Nathan Aspinall in the semi-finals, where Anderson survived five match darts before eventually securing his place in the final.

Despite reaching the title decider, Anderson admitted he had little left in the tank.

“I ran out of steam a long time ago!” Anderson joked.

“Making the final was sheer luck. It was a gift from the gods I got this far.”

The Scot also praised Smith for his outstanding performance throughout the tournament.

“Ross has been brilliant throughout the day. We watched him during the second game, he was fantastic,” Anderson said.

With more ranking opportunities still available, Anderson remains determined to secure his place at the season-ending event.

“We’ve got a few tournaments left to get into the Finals, so I’m going to give it my damnedest.”

The European Tour continues next weekend with the Czech Darts Open, which takes place in Prague from September 4-6.