Ross Smith says it’s a dream come true to have won the first major title of his professional darts career, claiming the Cazoo European Championship crown.

He won the £120,000 first prize as he completed an incredible three days as he defeated namesake Michael Smith 11-8 in Dortmund, Germany, in the final on Sunday night.

After being presented with the trophy, the darts player from Deal said: “I think I’m dreaming, this isn’t real!

“Honestly, it’s absolutely amazing. It hasn’t sunk in and probably won’t do for weeks.

“I had never even won a Euro tour [competition] before so no words can describe it.”

There was a vast difference in major tournament experience between the finalists, with Michael Smith playing in his eighth major final while, for “Smudger” Smith, it was his first major final.

But Smith, a Dover Athletic fan, said: “I just kept telling myself ‘Just play darts, don’t put yourself under pressure, just throw.’ It paid off.”

He was also playing in front of 4,500 spectators and on live television on ITV4.

On how he had held his nerve, he added: “I’m a bit crackers maybe, I don’t know!

“But just to be here, it’s an absolute privilege - I mean that - an absolute privilege. The crowd is absolutely amazing. If I can be up on this stage week-in, week-out, playing in front of crowds, what an absolute privilege.

“I thank every person in the crowd that comes along, not just here, but everywhere. You are what makes it so thank you.”

Smith also got the better of world champion Peter Wright 10-8 in the quarter-finals and Chris Dobey in the second semi-final on his way to glory.

“It’s mental,” he said. “You have to pinch yourself.

“Words can’t describe it, I’m just over the moon.”

It completes a turnaround for the 33-year-old who missed out on qualifying for the 2015 World Championship by just £500 on the Pro Tour Order of Merit and, a year later, explained the birth of his child and starting a new job had left him with no time to practice.

Asked what he plans to do now, he vowed to try and stay level-headed.

“To be honest, I’m just going to keep my feet on the ground,” he said.

“I’ll probably go to the gym tomorrow if I can get back in time and just plug away - keep going, try to make my way up the pro tour ranking and the Order of Merit.

“But I love this game. I’m very grateful to be here and I really mean that.”

On Twitter, Dover Athletic wrote: "Absolutely delighted for you @RossSmith180 - well done from all at the club."