Martin Schindler is one of two Germans who have managed to qualify for the World Matchplay. Where 'The Wall' was joined in the last two years by Gabriel Clemens, it is now Ricardo Pietreczko who has become the second German player to qualify for the event in Blackpool.
For Pietreczko, it will be his debut, while Clemens is missing after four consecutive participations. For Schindler, it is the third time he has qualified for this prestigious tournament.
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The past two editions have not yet produced success for Schindler. In 2022, he lost 10-8 to Gerwyn Price on his debut. Last year, "The Wall" came close to victory again, but then Danny Noppert proved too strong 10-8.
"I’ve played in Blackpool a couple of times now and I’ve never won my first game there, so that is my target,” Schindler was clear about his objective for the upcoming edition in conversation with the PDC.
The 27-year-old dart player from Strausberg, Germany, was paired with Dimitri van den Bergh in the draw for the World Matchplay. The Belgian managed to win the UK Open early this year and also won a Players Championship title.
Still, Schindler is not entirely dissatisfied with this draw. "I could have drawn Luke Humphries or Michael van Gerwen, so it could have been even tougher, but obviously Dimitri is a major champion [UK Open] this year, so he’s not a player to be underestimated.
Schindler, who himself took the title at the International Darts Open earlier this year, believes he himself has made strides again. "My game has risen consistently over the last couple of years. I've been working really hard and now I am getting my rewards.
"If I keep scoring like I have been and I hit my checkouts under pressure, then I definitely believe I have a chance of winning this title."
SCHEDULE! 🎯 The revised first round schedule for the 2024 @Betfred World Matchplay has been confirmed! Confirmation that the afternoon session on Sunday July 14 will begin at 1200 BST, with the evening session getting underway from 1630 BST! 👉 bit.ly/24WMSchedule
