Dave Chisnall has attributed one of his most disappointing recent darts performances to an unfortunate dietary miscalculation, revealing that eating prior to taking to the stage left him feeling uncomfortable during competition.
The St Helens ace has demonstrated encouraging signs of resurgence over recent weeks, producing quarter-final appearances at both the Baltic Sea Darts Open and Players Championship 20. Those performances have provided evidence that the former world number six is gradually rediscovering the standards which have made him one of the most respected performers on the circuit.
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However, that burgeoning momentum suffered a significant setback in Kiel, where Chisnall was comprehensively dismantled 6-1 by Ryan Joyce. Registering an average of just 78.17, the Englishman produced a display far below the lofty standards he has established throughout his distinguished career.
Following the defeat, Chisnall candidly admitted that his own pre-match decision-making had contributed to his struggles.
He told Kwiff: “It was good to get over the line against Van Veen in last week’s Euro Tour, and it was just a bit of stupidity for going for food before playing Ryan (Joyce) and being bloated up on stage.
“Those two quarter-final finishes have given me a bit of a kick up the arse that I can still play darts, and I’m looking forward to showing folk that over the next few weeks.”
The current world number 25 endured a particularly frustrating 2025 campaign, failing to secure a ranking title for the first time in four years. Nevertheless, there remains considerable incentive during the remainder of the season, with Chisnall presently lying just £6,250 outside the provisional qualification places for the Betfred World Matchplay.
With a crucial week approaching, the 44-year-old believes the ProTour events in Wigan could prove pivotal in shaping his campaign.
He added: “The Pro Tours in Wigan are some of my favourites as it’s only a short train from where I am, and saves on the travel.
“I go there next week knowing a good result can secure us a place at The World Matchplay. I’m going there with the attitude of ignoring the consequences and just playing darts.
“When you’re worried about the consequences of a game of darts, it weighs heavy and you’ve just got to go there and forget about everything.
“The two Pro Tours and the weekend’s Slovak Open is a good chance to lay a marker down and really kick into the second half of the season and beyond.
“I’ve not played my best darts, by a longshot, for around 18-24 months now, but the practice has been good the last few weeks and it’s all about confidence and momentum.”
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With World Matchplay qualification precariously poised, Chisnall now returns to familiar surroundings knowing that a productive sequence of performances could transform the trajectory of his campaign. Having displayed encouraging signs of a resurgence, the experienced thrower will be determined to improve upon his second-round exit in the opening Players Championship event in Wigan and secure his place in Blackpool.
Images: PDC
