Schindler qualifies for World Championship after winning PDC Europe Super League

Martin Schindler has secured his participation in the PDC World Darts Championship as one of the first players to qualify for the showpiece event in December.

Schindler defeated Florian Hempel in a dramatic 11-10 win in the final of the PDC Europe Super League, which acts as the German qualifying tournament.

The tournament started last weekend with 24 participants. By means of two group stages, that number was reduced to eight players, who started the knockout phase on Wednesday.

In the last eight, Schindler convincingly saw off Niko Springer (9-1), after which he was too strong for Max Hopp (10-9) after a thriller on Thursday afternoon. Hempel had beaten Lukas Wenig and Dragutin Horvat in his last two matches.

Schindler broke at 4-4 and then held his throw making it 6-4. Hempel, however, quickly made up for the gap by making it parity after the twelfth leg.

With a double break though, Schindler extended his lead 9-6. However, Hempel fought back into the game again and with a score of 10-10 Hempel started the last leg. Hempel got two chances for the title but was unable to take advantage of them, after which Schindler struck with a 25 check-out.

PDC Europe Super League schedule

Thursday, April 22

Semi-final (best of 19 legs)

Martin Schindler 10-9 Max Hopp

Dragutin Horvat 7-10 Florian Hempel

Final (best of 21 legs)

Martin Schindler 11-10 Florian Hempel