The 2025 Austrian Darts Open has concluded with Martin Schindler emerging as the champion after an impressive performance, defeating Ross Smith 8-4 in the final held at the Steiermarkhalle in Graz. This tournament, which ran from April 25 to 27, attracted 48 players competing for a total prize fund of £175,000, and it was the fifth of 14 events on the PDC European Tour for the year.
Schindler, who was cheered on by a passionate home crowd, took control early in the final, racing to a 3-0 lead. Despite a valiant effort from Smith, the German dart player maintained his composure to secure the victory, capturing the coveted title and a winner's prize of £30,000. The runner-up, Smith, received £12,000 for his efforts.
In the semi-finals, Schindler faced Josh Rock in a thrilling encounter that ended 7-6 in favor of Schindler, showcasing his resilience and skill under pressure. Meanwhile, Ross Smith secured his spot in the final by defeating Ryan Joyce 7-4, setting up a much-anticipated showdown between the two.
The tournament was not without its surprises, as several top players opted out, including last year's champion Luke Littler, who chose to skip the event along with notable names such as Michael van Gerwen, Rob Cross, and Gerwyn Price. Jonny Clayton entered the tournament as the number one seed but was eliminated earlier than expected.
Among the early exits were Premier League stars Nathan Aspinall and Stephen Bunting, who both fell victim to the unpredictable nature of darts. Aspinall's early departure was particularly shocking, as he has been a consistent performer on the circuit. Bunting's exit also raised eyebrows, adding to the drama of the competition.
One of the most talked-about moments of the tournament came from Canadian player Matt Campbell, who made headlines for an obscene gesture during his match against Dirk van Duijvenbode. After struggling with his checkouts, Campbell expressed his frustration by flipping off the dartboard, a moment that resonated with fans on social media, who noted, "After missing double 16, Matt Campbell is one of us." However, this incident may lead to disciplinary action from the Darts Regulation Authority, which has strict rules against offensive gestures.
The tournament format saw the top 16 players from the main Order of Merit seeded into the second round, with 16 Pro Tour Order of Merit qualifiers entering in round one. Additionally, ten Tour Card holder qualifiers, four Host Nation qualifiers, a Nordic & Baltic qualifier, and an East European qualifier rounded out the field.
Matches leading up to the final were intense, with all matches up to and including the quarter-finals contested over the best of 11 legs. The semi-finals were played as best of 13, and the final was a best of 15 legs, showcasing the players' endurance and skill.
Throughout the tournament, fans were treated to thrilling darts action, with several matches going down to the wire. The atmosphere in Graz was electric, with local supporters rallying behind Schindler as he progressed through the rounds. His final match against Smith was particularly captivating, as both players displayed high-quality darts, but it was Schindler who ultimately claimed the title.
In the final, Schindler's early dominance set the tone for the match. He quickly established a lead that proved insurmountable for Smith, who struggled to find his rhythm against the German's precision. Despite a late surge from Smith, Schindler held his nerve and closed out the match, securing his place in the darts history books.
The prize fund distribution for the tournament highlighted the competitive nature of the sport, with significant financial rewards for all stages of the competition. Semi-final losers took home £8,500 each, while quarter-finalists earned £6,000, and those reaching the last 16 received £4,000.
As the dust settles on the 2025 Austrian Darts Open, attention now turns to the next events on the PDC European Tour. Players will be looking to build on their performances, and fans can expect more thrilling action as the season progresses.
With Schindler's victory, he not only claimed the title but also made a significant leap in the world rankings, solidifying his status as one of the top players in the sport. The tournament showcased the depth of talent in professional darts and the unpredictable nature of the game, where any player can rise to the occasion.
The Austrian Darts Open has once again proven to be a highlight of the darts calendar, combining thrilling matches, unexpected outcomes, and unforgettable moments. As players reflect on their performances and prepare for future competitions, the excitement for the next tournament is already building.
