"I knew he couldn’t maintain that level - not even Luke Littler could": Martin Schindler produces epic comeback to delight partisan crowd in Germany

What a comeback from The Wall! Martin Schindler thrilled the home crowd at the 2025 German Darts Championship in Hildesheim, overturning a 1–4 deficit to beat Ireland’s William O’Connor 6–4 in the second round. Spurred on by a raucous German audience, the 28-year-old turned the match around to book his place in the final day of action.

“He started very, very well – I took the first leg, and then there wasn’t much coming from me for a while,” Schindler admitted in an exclusive interview with Dartsnews.com (YouTube) after the match. “He was absolutely ruthless, three legs in a row with 180s and 140s – you’re just chasing shadows at that point. But I knew he couldn’t maintain that level for the whole match – not even Luke Littler could – and he didn’t.”

O’Connor averaged 101.34 compared to Schindler’s 97.17, yet it was the German who celebrated in front of his home fans. “I’m pleased I was able to take my moments and make the most of my chances,” Schindler said. “The crowd were absolutely brilliant tonight.”

There was an extra bit of satisfaction too – in their last European Tour meeting, O’Connor had whitewashed Schindler 6–0. This time, the tables were turned. “I knew I’d lost to him back then,” he recalled. “But I’ve beaten him before on the Pro Tour, so it didn’t have huge importance for me. I just knew I had to approach it differently today – he’s had a really good year.”

Schindler’s form on the European Tour has been outstanding this year. The German has reached the final day at every event but one in 2025, winning one title and making another semi-final. “I’m really proud of the last two European Tour seasons I’ve had,” he reflected. “It’s fantastic to play outside England – in Germany, Prague, Budapest, or Belgium – and gain so many different experiences. It gives you a wider perspective, a different approach to the game.”

Naturally, he couldn’t resist a cheeky dig: “Greetings to Ricardo Pietreczko, who cost me the perfect record,” Schindler laughed, referring to his second-round defeat to his compatriot in Leverkusen.

The win lifts Schindler back up to second on the European Tour Order of Merit – just ahead of Stephen Bunting, who could overtake him again later in the evening. “For the ego, it would be nice to be number one two years in a row,” Schindler said. “But ultimately, it doesn’t mean much if you then go to Dortmund and lose your first match like last year. What matters more to me is consistency – performing well and winning tournaments.”

Last year in Dortmund, Schindler was beaten by Dirk van Duijvenbode. Tomorrow, he’ll face The Titan again – who earlier produced a staggering 117.74 average to reach the final day. Schindler hadn’t seen that performance himself: “I was in the tunnel, music on, focused on myself,” he said. “But yesterday I saw his nine-darter while I was practising in the hall.”

Finally, Schindler reflected on Hildesheim – a venue that will disappear from the European Tour calendar next year. “Hildesheim is both a blessing and a curse,” he smiled. “I won my first Players Championship here earlier this year, but I’ve also had weekends where I went out twice on the first day. I associate this place with a lot – good and bad.”