Schindler on five-year plan: "Maybe in the top 16 of the world"

Martin Schindler has long been a top German darting star and barring a stint on the European Tour as a steward has not had any aspirations to do anything else.

"When I finished my school I played one year after I started then I got my Tour Card. I was thinking about working in a financial system like working in a bank," said Schindler.

"I was seventeen. I was knowing these players like maybe 10 years, I was looking the 2007 World Championship final between Taylor and Van Barneveld and then you can see Van Barneveld. I played my second European Tour qualifier in Dusseldorf, made that qualification. First time on the big stage and I played Raymond van Barneveld."

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The German does not have to think long about his favorite venues. "Obviously the Alexandra Palace from the majors is the best one I think. It's an amazing building and an amazing atmosphere. Just the place, I think Gibraltar. If we go to Gibraltar, we always go to Malaga. On the one hand you have the sea then you have the mountains."

He also discussed how it is being a famous sportsman back home and the price of fame.

"Sometimes I have to say no I don't because every person is different and some people think you're professional you have to deal with this. You're right in one point but on the other side you're just not. I want to be with myself sometimes but you don't have the time."

Currently, Schindler is in 44th place in the world ranking. "I hope if I can go on and progress, maybe in the top 16 of the world."