Graz Glory as Schindler wins his third European Tour Title “It may not have been great, but it was good enough in the end”

At the Elten Safety Shoes Austrian Darts Open in Graz on Sunday, Martin Schindler won his third European Tour titke in  two years.

Since his debut victory in Riesa just over a year ago, Schindler has won three European Tour titles, defeating Ross Smith 8–4 in the final at the Premstättner Halle.

On the PDC Order of Merit, the German number one, who took home his first Players Championship trophy in March, leaps three spots to 18th place.

“I’m so happy, I fought my way through today,” said Schindler.

“It may not have been great, but it was good enough in the end.

“The relief was huge when the match dart went in. When the game is over, only then can you let go of the tension and celebrate, that’s exactly what I knew.

“I didn’t want to celebrate too early either, but I won in the end, that’s what counts.”

Graz Glory as Schindler wins his third European Tour Title "It may not have been great, but it was good enough in the end"
Graz Glory as Schindler wins his third European Tour Title “It may not have been great, but it was good enough in the end”

In the final, Schindler took a 7-2 lead with checkouts of 116 and 115 before Smith rallied with consecutive legs.

Schindler did, however, take a chance for the third time to win the European Tour in three separate nations.

“Martin played really well and deserves this title,” said Smith, who remains 17th on the PDC Order of Merit.

“He’s a top professional and a well deserved winner.

“I’ll take it on the chin, I didn’t play well in the final but I probably rode my luck to get that far.

“It’s good for the rankings and if I reach the final without playing well it means I’m doing something right.”

Smith defeated Dirk van Duijvenbode in the quarterfinals and Ryan Joyce in the semi-finals, respectively, after overcoming Peter Wright in a nail-biting last-leg match in the round of 16.

 

Graz Glory as Schindler wins his third European Tour Title 

Elten Safety Shoes Austrian Darts Open

Sunday April 27

Third Round

Afternoon Session

Daryl Gurney 6-1 Jermaine Wattimena

Josh Rock 6-5 Danny Noppert

Martin Schindler 6-5 Kevin Doets

Chris Dobey 6-1 Wessel Nijman

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-4 Matt Campbell

Ross Smith 6-5 Peter Wright

Damon Heta 6-5 Joe Cullen

Ryan Joyce 6-3 Dave Chisnall

Evening Session

Quarter-Finals

Josh Rock 6-3 Daryl Gurney

Martin Schindler 6-4 Chris Dobey

Ross Smith 6-4 Dirk van Duijvenbode

Ryan Joyce 6-1 Damon Heta

Semi-Finals

Martin Schindler 7-6 Josh Rock

Ross Smith 7-4 Ryan Joyce

Final

Martin Schindler 8-4 Ross Smith