Joy for Martin Schindler & Daniel Klose before Ross Smith edges Raymond van Barneveld in thriller at Austrian Darts Open

The first three winners on Saturday night at the Austrian Darts Open have been confirmed, with Martin Schindler, Daniel Klose and Ross Smith ensuring a Sunday return on the European Tour.

In the opening match of the night, recent tournament winner on the Euro Tour, Martin Schindler continued his excellent run of form of late, blowing compatriot Ricardo Pietreczko out of the water with a 6-0 win.

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There was more German joy in the second match of the night too. Daniel Klose defeated former UK Open champion Andrew Gilding 6-2. Although both players averaged below the 90 mark, it was Klose who managed to make the most of the opportunities he'd made for himself, nailing 43% of his doubles.

Ross Smith is also into the last 16 after a thrilling 6-5 win over Raymond van Barneveld. With both players averaging over the 100 mark it was a top quality contest. Van Barneveld actually missed a matchdart at double 19 in the 10th leg, Smith punished to force a decider and then in that last leg, the Englishman powered towards the winning line in 12 darts.

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