Smith's Joy With Riesa Triumph

MICHAEL SMITH has hailed his International Darts Open success as one of the highlights of his career.

The former World Youth Champion picked up his second PDC European Tour victory inside a year when he followed last year's triumph in Leipzig with a defeat of Benito van de Pas in Sunday's final in Riesa.

The £25,000 first prize catapults Smith into the world's top 16 for the first time in his career after moving him up to 14th in the world rankings.

The win follows up Smith's victory in a UK Open Qualifier earlier this year to add a fifth senior PDC title to the five Youth Tour wins and World Youth Championship titles he picked up earlier in his career.

Smith's superb performances in Riesa included spectacular finishes of 150 and 120 - with a single 20 and two bullseyes - in the last two legs of his 6-3 semi-final win over Ian White before he overcame Dutch youngster van de Pas by the same scoreline in the final.

"I'm really chuffed," said Smith. "This is one of the best tournaments I've ever played in.

"I've actually won two events in one year - I used to only be able to win one [tournament] a year!

"You need a bit of luck - I had luck against Ian White when I checked the 150 and 120 because he was sat on doubles if I missed. You've got to have a bit of talent, but if you don't have luck then you're not going to win."

After becoming a father in 2014, Smith had been given added focus to his career, and was delighted to celebrate Britain's Father's Day with a victory which he dedicated to both his son and his own father.

"This is for my lad, it's extra special," said Smith. "I had to settle down, I had to become a man, grow up and keep focused and I'm starting to grow up now.

"I said it would be a great Father's Day present for me and my dad, because my dad wants to see me succeed in everything I do, so it's a great present for him as well as me."

To watch video reaction with Michael Smith, click below