Martin Schindler makes history as first German ever to break into top 16 of PDC Order of Merit

The Swiss Darts Trophy 2025 will go down in history as a tournament full of spectacle at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, but above all as the setting of a historic milestone for German darts. For Martin Schindler has become the first German ever to enter the top 16 of the PDC world rankings.

On Saturday "The Wall" left his calling card by convincingly defeating Ricardo Pietreczko 6-2 in the German clash to reach the third round. On Sunday, Schindler had to bow to former Premier League winner Jonny Clayton 3-6, but that defeat could no longer threaten his place in the world rankings.

The decisive twist came Sunday evening around 9 p.m. Gian van Veen, direct competitor in the battle for the top 16, narrowly lost 6-7 to Stephen Bunting in the semifinals. This made it definitively clear that Schindler was unbeatable. With £434,750 in prize money, he moved up to place sixteen on the Order of Merit, just ahead of Dave Chisnall (£433,750) and Van Veen (£433,250). Ahead of him is two-time world champion Peter Wright with £436,500.

Milestone for 'The Wall'

With this achievement, Schindler not only made personal history, but gave German darts a new dimension. His joining the elite of the PDC also gives him sporting advantages. For example, he will start as a seeded player at the World Grand Prix, which gets underway on Oct. 6 in Leicester.

Even with an eye on the 2026 European Tour, the jump in the rankings is worth its weight in gold. As a top 16 player, Schindler automatically enters the second round, giving him not only extra peace of mind but also more certainty in his season schedule.