Noppert survives scrappy Schindler tie to advance at World Matchplay

Danny Noppert is through to the second round of the World Matchplay in the first match of a busy Sunday of darts. The Freeze defeated Martin Schindler 10-8 in a scrappy encounter.

In the opening match of the Sunday afternoon session, Danny Noppert faced off against Martin Schindler. A semi-finalist twelve months ago, Noppert almost started in style, wiring double 18 for a 153. After he missed though, Schindler pinned the same double and took the first leg.

A 13-darter finished on double 8 then saw Noppert level up, but after he then missed the bull for a 124 in the third leg, Schindler was again on hand to punish and hold his throw. Both players missed an opportunity to take leg 4 before Noppert secured it on double 5. The Dutchman followed that with the first break of the match to nudge 3-2 in front at the first break.

Schindler immediately broke straight back in the first leg after the interval but after both players missed multiple darts at double in leg 7, it was Noppert then finally managed to edge 4-3 ahead thanks to double 2. More missed doubles from the German followed and Noppert continued to punish, stretching his lead to 7-3 at the interval.

Schindler took a comfortable and much-needed first leg after the second break, making it 7-4 and stopping the rot. The German was unable to pressure the Noppert throw though and was running out of time to make a comeback as 'the Freeze' made it 8-4. A brilliant 104, though kept Schindler alive, but missed doubles again made an appearance in leg 14. After Noppert missed five darts to go one leg away, Schindler pinned double 16 to get back to within two.

Despite missing a handful more at double in the next leg, Schindler had time and returned to seal the leg and make it 8-7. Two missed darts for a level game though did not go unpunished, with Noppert firing in a 112 checkout. After Schindler held throw in the 17th leg though, it was 9-8 to the Dutchman. Throwing for the match, Noppert could hardly have asked for a more comfortable leg, sealing the win on double top.