SCHINDLER VOWS NOT TO REPEAT COSTLY MISTAKE AT ALLY PALLY

MARTIN SCHINDLER says he will not repeat the costly mistake that wrecked his World Championship campaign last year.

‘The Wall’ enjoyed the best season of his career in 2025 with a maiden Players Championship title, another European Tour win and a breakthrough rise into the world’s top 16.

German ace Schindler is out to wipe away the memory of last year’s 3-0 hammering by Callan Rydz in round two at Ally Pally.

Schindler admits his key mistake was looking ahead to outcomes before he had even thrown a dart.

He said: “This year I’ve promised myself to stay in the here and now, in the moment.

“Last year — because the season was going so well — I looked too far ahead and started thinking about what might happen afterwards.

“That didn’t do my game any good at all and caused me to lose myself a little.”

World No13 Schindler opens his Worlds campaign against Stephen Burton on December 17 and warned it will be no easy start.

Schindler also gave his thoughts on the new format where all players start in round one.

He added: “Stephen is a player who’s been around for many years and knows the tour. He’s not to be underestimated — it’ll be a tricky first task.

“In terms of prize money and the rankings it’s a disadvantage compared to previous years.

“But I like that everyone starts at the same time. It means the cards are shuffled evenly.”

Schindler revealed he has switched off the ring light on his practice dart board to simulate the darker conditions on Sky Sports’ major stages.

The 29-year-old previously claimed the TV setup is “too dark” and makes the board harder to see for players.

He continued: “I’ve been focusing a lot on checkout training so far. I’m trying to build the momentum you need to close out sets.

“I’ve settled on double 20 over the past few months and I think I’ll stick with it.

“I’ve turned off the light ring on my board because it lights the dartboard almost perfectly.

“I’ve actually switched to an LED lamp and a softbox to simulate roughly the lighting conditions you get on the Sky stage.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.