Deal's Ross Smith wins the Cazoo European Championship crown in Dortmund, Germany, as he claims first major title of his professional career

Ross Smith says it’s a dream come true to have won the first major title of his professional darts career, claiming the Cazoo European Championship crown.

He won the £120,000 first prize, completing an incredible three days as he defeated namesake Michael Smith 11-8 in Dortmund, Germany, in the final on Sunday night.

After being presented with the trophy, the Deal darts player said: “I think I’m dreaming, this isn’t real!

“Honestly, it’s absolutely amazing. It hasn’t sunk in and probably won’t do for weeks.

“I had never even won a Euro tour [competition] so no words can describe it.”

There was a vast difference in major tournament experience between the two players, with Michael Smith playing in his eighth major final while, for “Smudger” Smith, it was his first major final.

But Smith, a Dover Athletic fan, said: “I just kept telling myself ‘Just play darts, don’t put yourself under pressure, just throw.’ It paid off.”

He was also playing in front of 4,500 spectators and on live television on ITV4.

On how he had held his nerve, he added: “I’m a bit crackers maybe, I don’t know!

“But just to be here, it’s an absolute privilege - I mean that - an absolute privilege. The crowd is absolutely amazing. If I can be up on this stage week-in, week-out, playing in front of crowds, what an absolute privilege.

“I thank every person in the crowd that comes along, not just here, but everywhere. You are what makes it so thank you.”

Smith also got the better of current world champion Peter Wright 10-8 in the quarter-finals and Chris Dobey in the second semi-final on Sunday evening on his way to glory.

“It’s mental,” he said. “You have to pinch yourself.

“Words can’t describe it, I’m just over the moon.”

It completes a turnaround for the