*-Martin Schindler Crowned Austrian Open Champion, Climbs to World No. 18-
In a monumental achievement, Martin Schindler, Germany’s top dart player, secured his third European Tour title at the Austrian Open. The Straussberger native outclassed Englishman Ross Smith 8:4 in the final, banking a cool €35,000 in prize money.
A New Peak for German Darts
With this victory, Schindler ascends to 18th in the world rankings, a record high for a German player. Gabriel Clemens had previously held the highest position, reaching No. 19 after achieving the semifinals of the 2023 World Championship.
"This is German darts history!" exclaimed Sven Flohr, a renowned sports journalist.
Road to Triumph
Schindler’s path to victory was far from smooth. He battled back from 2:5 down to defeat Kevin Doets 6:5 in the eighth-finals, demonstrating his resilience and fight. In the quarterfinals, he faced off against Chris Dobey, with both players delivering a high-class display. Schindler, with a 107.78 average and a checkout success rate of 60%, emerged victorious 6:4.
His contest against Josh Rock in the semifinals was a nervous affair, filled with missed darts and../ Bcks, but Schindler’s experience and determination paid off as he edged out a hard-fought 7:6 win. The final against Smith was a more comfortable affair, with Schindler buzzing seven 180s en route to his third European Tour title.
Did You Know?
Schindler is now a three-time European Tour champion, with previous triumphs coming in Gibralter and Copenhagen in 2023.
Pro Tip
Stay up-to-date with Schindler’s progress as he pushes for more glory in the world of darts.
Join the Conversation
What do you think of Schindler’s incredible run? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Explore More
Delve into more darts news and updates on 247sports.news.