"I'm really glad that probably Martin's got no bottle": Rob Cross gives brutal assessment on Schindler demise with World Grand Prix spot up for grabs
PDC
Rob Cross managed to take down Martin Schindler, but 'Voltage' issued a scathing assessment of his opponent, who, as a result of his early loss, saw his hopes of qualifying for the World Grand Prix in Leicester fade away.
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Schindler, in years gone by, has qualified for the World Grand Prix with a great modicum of ease due to his form in particular on the European Tour, but that has massively dovetailed off with 'The Wall' proving fairly easy to get past, and now Niko Springer flies the flag for a nation who at times in the past were looking likely to be the next glut of darting dominance.
But with Schindler, who has long been their greatest export, now not being able to qualify, it asks questions, and for Cross, he asked questions of Schindler's bottle and said that he buckled under the situation with some scathing comments.
He sealed a 6-4 win to move into the final day at the Flanders Darts Trophy, where he takes on James Wade. His scathing comments started with the display itself, and he said that he knew in the back of his head that he wouldn't be able to pick himself up and seal the comeback he needed, so he always believed he would get over the line eventually.
"Yeah, of course. I had like a middle spell; Martin couldn't do anything, and I suppose for me, I actually thought I was the aggressor in the game, you know. I missed so many darts at a double in a couple of legs, and I'm just saying to myself, "Look, he's not going to pick himself up; he's just what he is, and he's, yeah, I'm glad to win, but usually it's a better game," said Cross post-match.
Rob Cross through in Antwerp.
Bottle questioned by Cross
While not exactly enamoured by his own display, Cross was glad to show his bottle and said that if only Schindler had any himself, it might have been a completely different game in the process.
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Then asked about whether the World Grand Prix spot was perhaps playing on his mind, Cross said that he may have buckled as a result of it and that he now doesn't need to concern himself with that and can move into the final day happy in the knowledge that he is through.
For Schindler, a big few months await, and not qualifying for Leicester is the first issue for him, as he aims to recapture the former glories that saw him lead the Pro Tour for a long time as the top player outside of the big names. But now he hasn't even got into the double-start-format tournament.
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"Yeah, well, it is what it is, and a half-decent leg, a steady leg. Martin's scoring went to nowhere, and I just showed my minerals from there, you know. I get my head in front. I had 12 last legs, so all good things for tomorrow, but I'm really glad that probably Martin's got no bottle, you know, so I'm really appreciative about that, so yeah, that's what allowed me to win.
"You know, it's a lot of pressure, and that's why he maybe s*** himself like that, so yeah, I don't know, but I'm just glad I'm through to tomorrow, and that's all I can really say on it, so thank you."
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Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
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- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
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