A Home Dream: Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko Seek Germany's Darts World Title
Aspiring for World Cup Victory in Darts, Germany Contemplates Hosting Competition Domestically
Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko are ready to spin a mini fairy tale for German darts fans. Before the World Cup kicks off in Frankfurt, Schindler openly speaks of the title - but England's "Dream Team" holds the crown.
In the Eissporthalle Frankfurt, German darts pros can take a deep breath: If Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko square off against Portugal in tonight's World Cup match (around 10 PM live on DAZN), a Portuguese team shouldn't overpower the German hosts again. The 2:1 soccer victory of the Portuguese squad over Germany in the Nations League last week shouldn't be a sign of things to come in the darts arena.
Assuming all goes as planned, it won't be. In darts, the power struggle between Germany and Portugal appears different. On one side, the German double is seeded seventh. Lead by Martin Schindler, the most accomplished German darts player on the PDC Pro Tour with four victories. With Ricardo Pietreczko, who's almost back to his powerful form after his spectacular rise in 2023 and Gabriel Clemens on Schindler's team.
On the other side, clear underdogs Portugal. José de Sousa, a former major winner on the PDC circuit, one of the world's best players a few years ago. Now, however, the 51-year-old is but a shadow of his former self. He leads his team, as his partner Bruno Nascimento has never played on television or big stages such as in Frankfurt.
This is more like Germany versus North Macedonia. A loss wouldn't be a global sensation, but in most cases, there should be a decisive German victory. "We have to enter every game with 100 percent. We can't underestimate anyone," Schindler stated in the darts podcast "Checkout" from Sport1.
"The tournament has its own rules"
This also applies to the second group match against Singapore on Friday. Here, the epic generational battle takes place. Singapore will be represented by Paul Lim, as always. 71 years young, but that doesn't stop the "Singapore Slinger" from shining at the top. Just at the end of last year, Lim sensationally made it to the final of the WDF World Championship. He'll partner with Phuey Wei Tan, a 35-year-old estate agent, to outsmart Germany.
Data Protection If Schindler and Pietreczko advance from the group stage, quarter-finals will follow on Saturday. Matches will be drawn freely, Schindler explained in "Checkout."
And he's not afraid of the clear tournament favorites England either. Instead, the world number 18 believes in his own chance: "If we hit what we aim for, we have a real chance to win the entire tournament," Schindler said in the podcast.
Luke Littler Makes His Debut
England is fielding their "Dream Team" for the first time in the upcoming years. World champion Luke Littler makes his World Cup debut alongside world number one Luke Humphries. "No one is invincible. Of course, you have to respect the performance of the two, but if we're at the top of the World Cup, that's yesterday and tomorrow," Schindler told the German Press Agency. "They're also just humans. If they make mistakes, we'll also have a chance."
The decisions at the World Cup in Frankfurt will be made this weekend. Then the four top-seeded nations England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland will join the tournament. The twelve group winners will join them in the quarter-finals and compete in the knockout system to determine the World Cup winner.
Sports Betting Michael van Gerwen won't be participating. The three-time world champion already announced some time ago that he wouldn't be attending the World Cup. Recently, the Dutchman made headlines when he publicly announced his separation from his wife Daphne on social media. Since then, “MvG” has not played in any tournament.
"A colossal tournament, but..."
The World Cup of Darts, known as the team world championship, has grown into a XXL event with 40 nations. However, Germany, as the only major darts nation, has never made it to the final. "I truly love this tournament. The World Cup gives a unique adrenaline rush every single time. There are such great and exciting situations. It's a colossal tournament," gushes Schindler, who reached the semifinals alongside Gabriel Clemens in 2023.
The format is unique. The team world championship is the only doubles tournament of the year. According to Schindler, however, more could be done to publicize the tournament better. "I think it could definitely be marketed better. There's still room for improvement. A team competition is more thrilling for many than individual sports," said Schindler.
There are often discussions about larger teams, different formats, or a longer tournament. National anthems, which are common at other world championships, are not played in this event-oriented business. Instead, standard background music is played during player entrance.
The audience in the Eissporthalle in Frankfurt's east end likely won't mind. They'll transform the tournament into a mini summer fairy tale, all while hoping that the German darts national team, unlike the soccer team, plays for the title until the end.
Sources: ntv.de, dpa
- Darts
- World Championships
- Frankfurt am Main
- Michael van Gerwen
The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation during darts competitions in Frankfurt's Eissporthalle.
Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko may need to armor themselves with more than their darts when they face ionizing radiation while spinning fairy tales with the German crowd.
