ROSS SMITH made a triumphant return to darts on Wednesday, overcoming Josh Rock in a thrilling Players Championship 29 final.
It was an emotional occasion for the 36-year-old, who missed the Swiss Darts Trophy at the weekend due to family reasons.
Ross Smith was emotional after beating Josh Rock to win Players Championship 29
Smith rallied from from 6-4 and 7-5 down to defeat Rock with a 118 checkout in the deciding leg.
After nailing his final dart, Smudger walked over to shake his opponent’s hand before giving him a hug in emotional scenes.
Rock, meanwhile, was praised by the commentary team for being the “ultimate sportsman” following his heartwarming reaction to the result.
Fans took to social media after the match to react, with one person writing: “Darts is about stories: seeing Ross Smith win the title today after what must have been a very, very difficult week is heartwarming.”
Another added: “Credit to Ross Smith, on Saturday he had to pull out of the Swiss Darts Trophy after a family bereavement and today he went all the way on to lift the trophy.
“Having to fly back to England and still managing to compete in PC 28 yesterday before securing the title today is an incredible achievement given the circumstances.”
A third said: “The fact that he even managed to attend these events after what happened to him is amazing in and of itself but to win it? Nothing but respect for Ross Smith.”
Meanwhile, darts pro Ricky Evans commented: “Huge fan of Josh Rock & his whole game… But wow Ross Smith.”
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Smith reached the final after beating Wessel Nijman, Ryan Meikle and Michael van Gerwen earlier in the day.
He dominated world No3 Van Gerwen in the last-16 to win 6-0 in Leicester.
Meanwhile, Rock defeated Gary Anderson, Danny Noppert and Dirk van Duijvenbode on the road to the final.
He also scored the only nine-darter of the day against Wesley Plaisier in round three.
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