Martin Schindler seals European Tour hat-trick at the Austrian Darts Open

Martin Schindler stormed to his third European Tour title in the space of 12 months as he claimed Austrian Darts Open glory in Graz on Sunday.

Schindler, who opened his account at the International Darts Open last April before adding the Swiss Darts Trophy title in September, completed his hat-trick in Graz with an 8-4 victory over Ross Smith in the final.

The German number one, who also claimed his first Players Championship title in March, becomes the 12th different player to win three or more European Tour titles.

“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 had seen off Matthew Dennant 6-3 in Saturday’s second round and survived a major scare from Kevin Doets in Sunday afternoon’s Last 16 as he reeled off four consecutive legs from 5-2 down to snatch victory.

He then defied a 106.5 average from Chris Dobey in a high quality quarter-final by averaging 107.8 in a 6-4 success, before capitalising on a remarkable capitulation from Josh Rock in the semi-finals.

Rock let victory slip through his grasp by squandering a staggering seven match darts in the deciding leg as Schindler snatched a spot in the final.

He stamped his authority on the final from the outset and raced into a 7-2 lead with checkouts of 116 and 115 along the way.

Smith rallied to win successive legs, but Schindler crushed any hopes of a comeback as he sealed the £30,000 title with a 14-darter on double ten.

Smith suffered defeat in a third European Tour final, and admitted: “I’m gutted I didn’t turn up in the final.

“Martin played really well and deserves this title, 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 defying a 102 average from Dirk van Duijvenbode in the quarter-finals despite averaging ten points fewer.

He then fended off a late fightback from Ryan Joyce to seal a 7-4 victory in the semi-finals, but could only average 91 for the second game running as he fell short in the final.

Joyce reached his second European Tour semi-final of the season courtesy of wins over sixth seed Dave Chisnall and third seed Damon Heta on Sunday, cementing his position in the provisional World Matchplay qualification places.

Austrian Darts Open 2025 Day Three Results

Sunday April 27

Afternoon Session

Last 16
Jermaine Wattimena 1-6 Daryl Gurney
Danny Noppert 5-6 Josh Rock
Kevin Doets 5-6 Martin Schindler
Chris Dobey 6-1 Wessel Nijman
Matt Campbell 4-6 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Peter Wright 5-6 Ross Smith
Damon Heta 6-5 Joe Cullen
Dave Chisnall 3-6 Ryan Joyce

Evening Session

Quarter-Finals
Daryl Gurney 3-6 Josh Rock
Martin Schindler 6-4 Chris Dobey
Dirk van Duijvenbode 4-6 Ross Smith
Damon Heta 1-6 Ryan Joyce

Semi-Finals
Martin Schindler 7-6 Josh Rock
Ross Smith 7-4 Ryan Joyce

Final
Martin Schindler 8-4 Ross Smith