Schindler criticises 'disgusting' treatment of Springer after Ally Pally loss
German number one Martin Schindler has labelled the treatment of his countryman Niko Springer 'disgusting' after the youngster fell to a shock defeat against Joe Comito at the 2026 PDC World Championship.
Springer, 25, has enjoyed an impressive first year on the professional darts circuit after winning his Tour Card in January, the highlight of which was a European Tour victory in Hungary where he beat five major champions on his way to the title.
As a result, hopes were high for the Meenzer Bub on his second PDC World Championship appearance. But it ended in disaster on Tuesday evening when an under-par and nervy Springer was dumped out by unfancied Australian qualifier Comito – a 15/2 underdog to win the contest.
Schindler, speaking after booking his spot in round two thanks to a comfortable 3-1 win over Stephen Burton, pulled no punches when airing his views on how his fellow German has been treated – particularly in his home nation.
He said: "Niko has done some really good stuff this year. But I really have to say something about the pressure he is receiving.
"I've seen a couple of interviews on DAZN with Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen – two of the best players in the last few years – saying he's the best German player. It puts a lot of pressure on this guy.
"He's also received a lot of pressure from the German fans, German media saying he's a great player, had a great year, hitting great averages and he's going to win this and that.
"He's just 25. He needs to grow, needs to get used to the situation. Like I did, I had to learn it as well because you don't really get support.
"From a German fans and German media point of view, you get support if you are a successful player. If you're not, they will boo you.
"If you win you are a hero and if you lose, you are the bad guy. It's disgusting.
"He's doing great. He's done great this year and everyone could see he was playing under a huge amount of pressure. For a guy in his first year after Q-School, it shouldn't be like that."
Though Springer is facing an early trip back to Germany, Schindler will be hoping to significantly extend his stay on British shores having landed in a reasonable part of this year's draw bracket.
His 3-1 win over Burton, where he averaged an impressive 99.14, sets up a round two clash with either Ireland's Keane Barry or Australian qualifier Tim Pusey, with the Wall likely to be a heavy betting favourite against either man.
Beyond that, Ryan Searle or Brendan Dolan would await in round three in what would appear a finely-poised encounter, before a possible last-16 clash with someone like Stephen Bunting or Dirk van Duijvenbode.
On paper, it is the best chance Schindler has ever had to enjoy a run at Ally Pally, having failed to go beyond round three in his previous six visits.
Bookmakers have the German as a best-priced 9/1 chance (Bet365) to win the second quarter, which would see him mirror the achievement of his compatriot and World Cup team-mate Gabriel Clemens, who surprisingly reached the final four three years ago.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
Matt Hill is Odds Now's Head of Content and leads our digital operation, while also offering his insight as a tipster across darts and football.
Having worked in the industry for the best part of a decade, including extended stints with Betfred and LiveScore, Matt joined the project in May 2024 with the sole aim of making Odds Now a key player in the betting content space.
He has also forged a reputation as a respected darts tipster, landing numerous three-figure outright winners over the years, while his love for lower league football also helps him pick out the odd obscure winner in that space.
When not at the editorial desk, Matt enjoys travelling the country supporting his beloved Carlisle United FC, chucking a few arrows and spending time with his young family.
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