The German European Tour King Martin Schindler seals third title with rampant Austrian Darts Open title win over Ross Smith
PDCSunday, 27 April 2025 at 23:04
Martin Schindler has joined an exclusive club of player with three or more European Tour titles after claiming the Austrian Darts Open to continue his stranglehold as Germany's best darting export.
Schindler defeated Ross Smith who despite being a former European Champion was like Rob Cross in never winning a European Tour and that run goes on. 'The Wall' apart from his win over Josh Rock where he had to survive six match darts has been imperious all weekend.
He saw off Chris Dobey early today with a 107 average and has carved himself out as one of the best players on the European Tour. With a German speaking Austrian crowd by his side, Schindler adds to triumphs in Riesa and Basel last season.
While for Smith, it is both positive and negative. Of course losing the final isn't exactly great but he has defend one of two finals he reached last year which is good for his rankings but running into 'The Wall' in top European Tour form is hard for any player to topple.
To start, Schindler pinned double 12 to hold throw and open up the final. Smith missed 152 for parity but returned for 1-1.
Schindler missed double eight for a 12-darter. Smith needed 161 and got a shot at the bull missing it marginally for 2-1. Schindler returned for the lead.
Schindler pinned double 12 off 78 as he broke throw and was going for a 4-1 lead. Schindler missed 96 for 4-1 and Smith took aim at 118 missing double 20 for 3-2. The German then returned for 4-1.
Smith missed two darts for 4-2 and Schindler got given a chance at 116. He took it for 5-1. A 65 checkout saw Schindler make it five legs in a row. A 115 checkout saw Schindler go one away at 7-2.
Schindler missed the bull for 124 and Smith attempted to stay in it but he couldn't. Schindler missed more match darts and Smith made it 7-4 and was throwing for 7-5. Schindler made it four missed match darts missing 125. Smith had 144 to stay in it but drifted into single five and Schindler returned for double 10 to seal it.
| Martin Schindler | VS | Ross Smith |
|---|---|---|
| 94.04 | Average (3 Darts) | 91.36 |
| 14 | 100+ Thrown | 17 |
| 8 | 140+ Thrown | 6 |
| 3 | 180 Thrown | 4 |
| 116 | Highest Checkout | 60 |
| 2 | Checkout 100+ | 0 |
| 46.7 | Checkout percentage | 28.6 |
| 7 / 15 | Checkout | 4 / 14 |
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