Martin Schindler secured the 2024 Swiss Darts Trophy title in Basel on Sunday evening. He made a dramatic comeback against Ryan Searle in the final to claim his second European Tour Title.
On route to the final in Basel on Sunday, Schindler beat Stephen Bunting (6-4) and Raymond van Barneveld (6-4) before romping to a 7-2 victory against Josh Rock in the semi-finals.
Rock himself thrashed World Number 1 Luke Humphries in the quarter-finals.
Schindler seemed to be the man in form on the day but got off to a very shaky start against Ryan Searle in the final.
‘Heavy Metal’ started the final with two 15-dart legs to take an early lead and as Schindler continued to struggle with his scoring, he quickly found himself to be 4-0 down.
124 FROM SEARLE!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 29, 2024
Ryan Searle is up and running in this final as a 124 puts him 2-0 ahead.
He means business here!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 | #ET12 pic.twitter.com/jiyswckuBW
Searle then missed a dart at D6 on a 126 finish which would have been a third break of throw. Fortunately for Schindler, this miss gave him a much needed route back into the match and to stop the rut.
At 5-1 down, Schindler then scored a 28 when left on a 170 finish and it didn’t seem like it would be his night but he then followed up with an unexpected 142 checkout to reignite his comeback chase.
142 FROM SCHINDLER!!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 29, 2024
A mammoth finish from Schindler to hold his throw again and spark scenes in the Basel crowd.
He trails Searle by three here!
📺 https://t.co/YyBPPwoMK8 | #ET12 pic.twitter.com/TI9g4fwPL2
At 7-4 down, Schindler looked out of the match but Searle would miss seven match darts across the subsequent legs as Schindler fought back to 7-7 before holding his nerve and hitting D16 to secure an 8-7 win.
This win sees Schindler rise two places in the PDC Order of Merit to 22nd, moving ahead of Gary Anderson and Dirk van Duijvenbode.
He also became the first German player to win two European Tour titles after winning the International Darts Open earlier this year.
Schindler isn’t satisfied though and is eyeing up further success in the major TV tournaments later in this calendar year…
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From Steward to Euro Tour Titles
Following his win, Schindler reflected on the journey he’s taken from stewarding at PDC events to lifting Euro Tour titles.
In his post tournament interview with the PDC, Schindler said:
“I’m so happy to win this title.
“I always believed that I have the ability to come back but I was lucky to win this one.
“Ryan was the better player but that’s darts sometimes.
“Ten years ago I was working as a steward on these events; I’ve worked very hard to get to where I am today and I’m proud of myself.
“I fancy myself to do well in the big TV events coming up, but today is just about winning this trophy; that’s all that matters to me now.”
It’s been a remarkable rise for the German star.
Youth players are currently qualifying for big tournaments so for Schindler to have been a steward for these events it’s an amazing journey.
Still just 28 years old, the Euro Tour wins could be the platform he needs to push on and compete for the big televised majors in the coming years.
Let us know in the comments below if you think he has what it takes to win a PDC Major title one day.
You can also see full highlights of the Swiss Darts Trophy final session provided by PDC below: