Wade ends decade long wait for PDC European Tour title at Flanders Darts Trophy

James Wade claimed his first European Tour title in ten years in Antwerp, defeating Ross Smith 8-4 to clinch the 2026 Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy on Sunday. The world number six, who had not lifted a European Tour crown since the 2016 European Darts Matchplay, denied Smith a third title of the year as the pair contested the final at the Antwerp Expo.

Wade, fresh from his Australian Darts Masters success last month, began his campaign with a 6-2 win over Canada’s Jim Long. A hard-fought 6-5 victory over former World Champion Rob Cross in the third round was followed by a whitewash of Danny Noppert.

He then saw off Damon Heta 7-4 in the semi-finals, landing three ton-plus finishes on his way to the final.Smith arrived in the final looking to extend his strong form, having already secured two European Tour titles earlier in the season.

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The pair traded blows in the early stages before Wade pulled clear with three consecutive legs to lead 4-2. Smith responded with a brilliant 150 checkout in the seventh leg to close the gap, but Wade’s recent rampant form resurfaced as he took four of the last five legs, sealing victory with an excellent 14-darter.

“It’s quite easy playing Smudger in the final,” Wade joked afterwards as he paid tribute to his opponent.

I’ve watched Ross since he was a young man. If his mum was here right now, she would be so proud of him.

She always used to tell me how great he would be, he’s gone well and beyond what his mum thought he would ever be.

He should take a bow, because it’s a privilege to share the stage with a man like him.”

Reflecting on the long-awaited success, the 43-year-old added:

“I’ve had my small moments on the European Tour, so I’m really happy to win this one.

Thankfully there’s not many players out there like him [Smith]. I’ve done enough today, and it might be another ten years before I win another!”

Smith, who had hoped to strengthen his position at the top of the European Championship race, was gracious in defeat despite another productive weekend on Belgian soil.

He opened with a 6-2 win over Jeffrey de Graaf, then came through successive last-leg deciders against Gerwyn Price and Ryan Joyce before producing a third deciding-leg victory of the day against European Champion Gian van Veen, fighting back from 5-3 down after the Dutchman missed two match darts.

“I wasn’t at my best today, in the final was probably the best I’ve played all day,” Smith reflected.

“I’ve rode my luck, but Wadey doesn’t let you off, and I admire him. He’s absolutely class, he’s a grafter; it’s James Wade. He 100% deserved that win.”

Van Veen’s semi-final run included a 6-3 win over Gabriel Clemens and a last-leg success against Kevin Doets before he defeated Chris Dobey 6-3 in the quarter-finals.

Heta, meanwhile, survived last-leg deciders against Beau Greaves and Michael van Gerwen in the early rounds, then beat Luke Woodhouse and Nathan Aspinall to reach the last four.

Elsewhere, Ryan Joyce edged a resilient Jermaine Wattimena 6-5 in the third round, while Danny Noppert saw off Wessel Nijman at the same stage.

The 2026 European Tour season continues in October, as the Swiss Darts Trophy (ET14) takes place in Basel from October 9-11.

The 32-player field for the BOYLE Sports World Grand Prix is now confirmed following the conclusion of this weekend’s event, and the race for European Championship qualification continues with two events left.

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2026 Blåkläder Flanders Darts Trophy

Sunday September 13

Afternoon Session
Round Three
Gian van Veen 6-5 Kevin Doets
Chris Dobey 6-5 Ryan Searle
Ryan Joyce 6-5 Jermaine Wattimena
Ross Smith 6-5 Gerwyn Price
James Wade 6-5 Rob Cross
Danny Noppert 6-4 Wessel Nijman
Damon Heta 6-3 Luke Woodhouse
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Stephen Bunting

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