ANALYSIS: Niko Springer offers hope, Martin Schindler raises questions as German darts looks ahead to the World Matchplay

From a German perspective, Niko Springer and Martin Schindler left two completely different impressions at the European Darts Open in Leverkusen. Both went out, but only one could leave the stage with his head held high despite the defeat.

Springer played superbly on his 26th birthday and averaged almost 103. Against Gian van Veen, it still wasn’t enough because he cost himself the reward on the doubles in the first two legs. That was exactly the difference: The Siefersheim native was absolutely on par in open play but missed the key chances.

Even so, this defeat is no step back for Springer. Since stepping onto the ProTour, he has increasingly shown he can keep pace with the strongest players of his generation.

His three titles on the Development Tour were no coincidence. He still needs to work on consistency and timing on the doubles, but his potential is obvious.

The picture is different for Schindler. An average below 80 and a clear 3-6 defeat to Kevin Doets are simply not good enough for Germany’s number one. Coming right before the World Matchplay, this display arrives at the worst possible time.

“The Wall” has overcome far bigger setbacks in his career. After losing his Tour Card in 2020, he fought his way back and later rose to Germany’s number one. With his first PDC title at the International Darts Open 2024, Schindler also proved he can win tournaments on the big stage.

That is precisely why the performance in Leverkusen disappointed. Schindler looked far from his best and could barely put Doets under pressure. It shouldn’t be overblown, but it does raise questions before Blackpool.

Springer lost despite a strong performance. Schindler lost because his performance was not good enough.

That exact difference is what makes the evening in Leverkusen so ambivalent from a German point of view.