SCHINDLER LEAVES WORLD CUP DECISION TO PIETRECZKO
10/05/2026 By Aaron Nijjar
MARTIN SCHINDLER insists only Ricardo Pietreczko can decide whether he is ready to represent Germany at the World Cup amid his ongoing battle with dartitis.
Pikachu has endured a worrying run of form in recent months and sparked fresh concern after retiring from his opening match at Players Championship 14.
The world No34 has also failed to make a single quarter-final on the ProTour this season.
Pietreczko has visibly struggled to release his darts in recent weeks, repeatedly making shadow throws, most recently during his 6-4 first-round defeat to Patrik Kovacs at the Austrian Darts Open.
Schindler enjoyed a stunning run to the World Cup semi-finals alongside Pietreczko last year, with the pair famously knocking out favourites England.
But he admits only Pietreczko can decide if he feels capable to return to the stage this time around.
He said: “Of course I also noticed what happened at the last Players Championships, including the retirement.
“I’ll be honest: that is in Ricardo’s hands. He played really well at the World Cup last year, which means everything is there.
“It is like riding a bike – you do not forget how to do it. If he says he feels up to it and trusts himself and his game, then I trust him too.
“But if, of course, he is also honest enough and says he cannot do it, then I respect that – and then I also think that is a very, very good and mature decision.”
Schindler continues his Austrian Darts Open title defence against Ross Smith in round three.
The Wall has also endured a frustrating campaign, reaching just one ProTour quarter-final and failing to progress beyond the third round at any Players Championship event this season.
Yet Schindler insists his confidence is slowly returning, even if his immediate focus is simply getting through each match and rebuilding rhythm in his game.
He added: “I will be completely honest: I had not thought about it at all beforehand.
“I just want to be here and win the first game. That is important for the rankings, because that has a big influence on the Pro Tour.
“I probably cannot even describe in words what would happen if I defended the title.
“I need to gain a bit more looseness, more naturalness in my game again.
“I believe in myself and I actually trust myself too.
“But I notice at the moment that the darts are not flying in the way I want them to. Even so, I am still winning quite a lot of matches with my B or C-game.”
