German Darts Hopes Dashed as Schindler and Clemens Exit Early at EM

Martin Schindler and Gabriel Clemens face early elimination in Dortmund, despite high expectations and home support.

Martin Schindler, ranked 21st in the world, lost 3-6 to Dutch player Dirk van Duijvenbode in the first round of the Darts European Championship.
Gabriel Clemens was defeated 1-6 by former world champion Michael van Gerwen, marking a disappointing start for the German contingent.
Schindler had entered the tournament as the top seed after finishing first in the PDC Europe Tour rankings, a first for a German player.
The Darts European Championship is being held in Dortmund from October 24 to 27, featuring 32 of the continent's top players.
Ricardo Pietreczko remains the last German hope in the tournament, set to face Australian Damon Heta in the next round.