Schindler claims third Euro Tour title in Graz
Martin Schindler claimed his third European Tour title within two years at the Elten Safety Shoes Austrian Darts Open in Graz on Sunday.
Schindler defeated Ross Smith 8-4 in the final at the Premstättner Halle to make it a hat-trick of European Tour titles since his first victory in Riesa just over a year ago.
The German number one, who won his first Players Championship title in March, jumps up three places to 18th on the PDC Order of Merit.
“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.”
Schindler landed checkouts of 116 and 115 to take a 7-2 lead in the final, before Smith mounted a comeback with back-to-back legs.
However, Schindler took his chance at the third time of asking to seal third European Tour triumph in three different countries.
“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 came through a tense last-leg decider against Peter Wright in the last 16, before defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode and Ryan Joyce in the quarter-finals and semi-finals respectively.
The PDC European Tour returns next weekend, as the Glaspalast in Sindelgingen plays host to the European Darts Grand Prix from May 2-4.
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
—–ENDS—–
Images: “Paul Targyik/PDC Europe”.
