Germany has a new darts star!
Martin Schindler (27) won his first PDC title. In the final of the International Darts Open in Riesa he beat Welshman Gerwyn Price 8:5. When his third match dart lands on double 16, all the dams in the hall break. Schindler tears up.
also read
Tears and scandal for the German darts sensation!
With the first title of his career, he jumps to number 22 in the world rankings – replacing Gabriel Clemens (40/number 23 in the PDC Order of Merit) as the best German darts player in the world.
After the game, “The wall,” as he is known, said on stage: “My legs are wobbly to no end. It’s so brutal. I’ve been playing the tour for seven and a half, eight and a half years. And now I have such an awesome trophy. Isn’t that just great?”
The new German number one celebrates with around 3,000 fans in Riesa
Foto: PDC Europe/Jonas Hunold
Particularly emotional: just ten years ago he was a steward at such events and handed out wristbands to spectators. When asked about it by moderator Philip Brzezinski, he said: “I wouldn’t have dreamed of that. But I worked hard to get to where I am. I think I’m the happiest man in the world today.”
Afterwards, final loser Price is asked for an interview.
Schindler (l.) celebrates his great triumph. Price (centre) is visibly disappointed at his defeat, despite playing a three-dart average of 101 points
Photo: PDC
Then there is a scandal!
Price: “The spectators are an advantage. All German players are great. But I’m not happy with myself. I should have won the game. But congratulations to Martin.”
Price continued: “I think I would have won the game if we had played in Wales.”
A clear message to the audience in Riesa, who are of course cheering on the local hero.
The last word on stage belongs to Schindler again.
Meanwhile, Price is already leaving the stage. DAZN commentator Adrian Geilert made it clear: “That’s disrespectful.”
BILD Sport from April 14, 2024 Bayer Leverkusen’s historic Bundesliga day
Those: BILD14.04.2024
With his first title, Schindler also silenced a major critic. In the BILD interview before the last Darts World Cup, superstar Michael van Gerwen said: “He doesn’t have the balls that Gabriel (Clemens) has. Something is missing.”
Schindler has shown that nothing is missing and that he can keep up with the greats.