EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW | "I didn't expect Clayton to play so badly": Martin Schindler was surprised in-form Welshman didn't turn up

The Munich crowd can continue to dream of a German title winner at the German Darts Grand Prix 2025: Martin Schindler reached the last 16 with another impressive performance. The Wall won 6-1 against the in-form Jonny Clayton. In an exclusive interview with Dartsnews.com a few minutes after the match, Schindler spoke about his special connection to the Bavarian capital - and ventured a look ahead to the final day.

"Things have been going really well here in Munich for years. I reached the quarter-finals a few years ago and the semi-finals last year - I like Munich, I like the arena, I love the atmosphere. It makes me happy when I can give something back in terms of my game," said Schindler to DartsNews.com.

Clayton, who triumphed in world-class style on the Pro Tour at the start of the week, didn't find his game against Schindler. This also surprised The Wall: "I didn't expect Clayton to play so badly. Especially after his performance at the beginning of the week, when he beat me in the quarter-finals on Monday and won the tournament on Tuesday. I expected him to average 100-105 - he didn't play that and that's when I need to be there. I managed to do that with my finishes," Schindler summed up.

"Jonny is one of the best players in the world. But those are exactly the people you have to compete with," grinned Schindler, who has come up against the Welshman remarkably often this season. "I think that can actually do you good - especially with players you've already lost to a few times. That's the only way you learn to win against them," explained the 28-year-old.

Schindler has many special memories of the Munich venue. In 2022, he made headlines across the country when he beat Ryan Searle with a record 109+ point average - and gave his career a decisive kick-start. "I just know that I'm very welcome here - I'm very, very grateful to the people of Munich for that. I think the atmosphere here is really great - of course it's always on my side, so it feels even better. Even though we don't have this major winner or world champion in Germany, I think it's great to see that we can create such an atmosphere. And the Zenith Hall in Munich is really on another level."

Finally, Schindler gave a brief preview of tomorrow's round of 16, which he will play against Dutchman Gian van Veen: "Gian van Veen is currently one of the toughest opponents on the tour. He plays like one of the top 10 players of the last few years - and I emphasize years, he has been playing at a very consistent level for a long time. I'm expecting a very good game in the average range of 100-105 points and I know that I'll have to make the most of every opportunity."