Martin Schindler takes the first hurdle on the way to defending the title at the home tournament. Curiously, he doesn’t have to compete on Saturday.
Martin Schindler made a brilliant start to the International Darts Trophy in Riesa. The defending champion of the third tournament of the European Tour made debutant Thomas Lovely in front of a home crowd 6-2 in Legs.
Martin Schindler won the International Darts Open in Riesa in 2024
Since his second -round opponent Rob Cross withdrew for the event on Friday and so at short notice there was no substitute, Schindler’s match fails on Saturday and he moves directly into the round of 16, which will be held on Sunday.
“Pikachu” throws Ratajski out
In addition to Schindler from the German perspective, only Ricardo Pietreczko survived the first round. “Pikachu” surprisingly prevailed with 6-2 against Krzysztof Ratajski.
Niko Springer lost to Dirk van Duijvenbode, despite an average of over 100 points, 3: 6. With the same result, Daniel Klose Mike de Decker had to give up. Patrick Klingelhöfer (1: 6 against Raymond van Barneveld), Paul Goyer (1: 6 against Gian van Veen) and Kevin Knopf (0: 6 against Cameron Menzies) were without chance.
Pietreczko will deal with Ross Smith in round two on Saturday. Tricole from France, the ex-world champion Michael Smith 6: 3, caused a big surprise.
Puzzle about darts star Cross
Cross canceled for several coming tournaments. Exactly what the Englishman means does not show from his X contribution. It is also unclear whether he will start on the Premier League matchday next week.