MICHAEL Smith claimed his first European Tour title with a thrilling 6-5 win over Michael van Gerwen in the final of the European Darts Trophy in Leipzig.

The former World Youth Champion bounced back from losing four PDC ProTour finals this year – including two in the past fortnight – as he picked up the biggest title of his career.

Having turned 24 last week, the St Helens darter showed his growing maturity on the big stage with wins over German favourite Jyhan Artut, Austrian newcomer Roxy-James Rodriguez, Justin Pipe and Andy Hamilton.

With the final level at 5-5 Smith scored 140, 100 and 141 to be first to a finish before checking out 100 on double ten for the £20,000 title.

“This is the best birthday present and I couldn’t be happier,” admitted Smith.

“I’ve been in good form recently, but to beat the number one in the world is something special.

“It was pretty hard to come back when I was 3-0 down to the best player in the world, but I got it to four-all and checked that 158 out to break – and the 100 to win the tournament was even better.”

Smith had lost out in a European Tour final to Mervyn King in Germany a fortnight earlier.

“Before I became a father earlier this year I was lazy, but now if I don’t do the four or five hours a day practice and earn some money then he doesn’t get to eat. I’ve got to get off my backside, and it’s definitely showing in my results.”