Shanghai Darts Masters

The third edition of the Shanghai Darts Masters was played on 13 and 14 July. The European participants are Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson, Michael Smith, Daryl Gurney, Rob Cross, James Wade, Peter Wright and Gerwyn Price.

Unlike the first two editions, not all European top players reach the second round. Royden Lam achieved an historic victory over Anderson, making it the first Asian player to win a match in Shanghai. The remaining European players lose only seven legs together in the first round.

Lam's adventure doesn't take long, because in the quarterfinals he loses with 8-5 from Smith. Furthermore, Van Gerwen, Cross and Wright reach the last four. For defending champion Van Gerwen, the tournament is over after the semi-finals. 'Mighty Mike' loses with 8-4 from Smith as Cross beats Wright in the second semi-final.

However, it will not be an exciting final. Smith quickly takes a 4-0 lead, after which Cross manages to get back to 4-2. The next four legs go in the direction of Smith, who wins the final with 8-2. It is the first time for 'Bully Boy' that he has written a senior PDC television tournament to his name.