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Martin Schindler has been eliminated from the World Matchplay of Darts. Despite a strong performance, it wasn’t enough against Johnny Clayton. The Welshman made the difference in the crucial moments.
Martin Schindler was eliminated in the first round of the World Matchplay of Darts 2025. On Sunday evening in Blackpool, the German had to admit defeat to the in-form Welshman Jonny Clayton with a score of 7:10.
It is already Schindler’s 4th first-round exit in his fourth Matchplay appearance.
With an average of 103.45 points, a double rate of exactly 50 percent, and six 180s, Schindler played outstandingly himself, sometimes even better than Clayton – but Clayton struck in the decisive moments.
Martin Schindler had to admit defeat to Jonny Clayton at the World Matchplay
Thus, Schindler played the second-best average of the tournament to date and was also better on doubles than Clayton (“only” 41.67 percent hit rate) – but in the end, it was not enough.
Schindler with unusual entrance song
Even the entrance caused a stir: Schindler came on stage with a new walk-on song – instead of Rammstein’s “Ich will”, “Without Me” by Eminem played. And the match started spectacularly right away: Schindler opened with a perfect shot and threw a 180 right at the start. But Clayton countered promptly – also with a 180 in the first leg.
The Welshman seemed focused early on and took his chances ice-cold. He led 4:1 at the first break, even extending his lead to four legs in between. But Schindler fought back strongly, reduced the gap to 4:6 by the second break, and shone with an average of 107 – Clayton himself was at 102.
Clayton ice-cold
Schindler managed another break at 9:6 and then had the chance to confirm it. With 65 remaining, he chose the usual path via the 25 to set up 40 remaining – but hit the bullseye – and therefore only had one dart at the double, which he missed. In return, Clayton used his fifth match dart and secured a deserved victory with 10:7.