Germany edges Czech Republic 8-6 to reach World Cup of Darts quarterfinal, will face Van Gerwen's Netherlands

Decisive round-of-16 victory

The German pair Martin Schindler and Ricardo Pietreczko defeated the Czech Republic's Karel Sedlacek and Adam Gawlas 8-6 on Saturday in Frankfurt's Eissporthalle to reach the quarterfinals of the World Cup of Darts. Germany dominated early, racing to a 4–0 lead and taking a 6–1 advantage into the break. After the interval, the Czech team fought back. They narrowed the gap to 6–3 and then broke throw to pull within 6–7, putting the German throw under pressure. Schindler and Pietreczko held their nerve, however, with Schindler sealing the match on double-16 for an 8–6 win.

Post-match emotion

Ricardo Pietreczko was in a light-hearted mood after the win, joking about his partnership with Schindler.

“Sorry to my girlfriend, but I love Martin.”

The pair entered the arena to Peter Schilling's "Major Tom" and the Frankfurt crowd created a frenzied atmosphere.

Quarterfinal against the Netherlands

The victory sets up a Sunday quarterfinal against the Netherlands, who beat Sweden 8–6 in their round-of-16 match. The Dutch bring a formidable squad with Michael van Gerwen and Gian van Veen. The four top-seeded nations (England, Netherlands, Scotland and Northern Ireland) all won their opening matches and advanced alongside Germany.

Group stage dominance

Germany, seeded fifth, entered the knockout phase as one of twelve group winners after a 4–0 win over the Philippines and a 4–2 success against New Zealand. Martin Schindler produced the highest individual average of the group stage with 110.12 points. Last year, Schindler and Pietreczko reached the semi-finals, famously eliminating England featuring singles world champion Luke Littler in the round of 16 before falling to eventual champion Northern Ireland.