CHISNALL ADMITS TO SEASON STRUGGLES
03/06/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
DAVE CHISNALL admits the season has been a “real struggle”.
‘Chizzy’ is chasing a first ranking title of the year and has dropped outside the top 10 Order of Merit.
But the St Helens thrower did reach the final of Players Championship 15 and nailed a perfect nine-dart leg in Hildesheim — to serve up a timely reminder of his class.
World No. 12 Chisnall ended run of 22 tournaments without a deep finish.
The 40-year-old revealed his mindset was not right at the start of the campaign.
He said: “It’s been a real struggle so far, and I can’t really put my finger on why.
“We all make excuses about balance, getting the right schedule and the work/life balance etc.
“But truth be told I probably didn’t have my head in the game the first few months of the season and it showed with my results.”
Chisnall believes a shock second round exit to Ricky Evans at the 2025 World Championship dented his spirits.
He added: “The defeat to Ricky Evans – who’s a great guy by the way – really hit me harder than I cared to let on and the hangover crept into the start of this season.
“I feel something of black cloud has been lifted since however, and I’m trying to channel this concept of positivity.
“I’ve got a bit more perspective about things and trying to lighten up a bit.
“You see a lot of other things going on around the world and, whilst we all to win, it’s not the end of the world if you lose a game of darts.”
Six-time major finalist Chisnall has made the last eight just twice in his previous 20 appearances at the PDC televised events.
However, Chisnall has been the No. 1 ranked player on the PDC ProTour over the last two years.
Since 2023, he has won FOUR Players Championship Events and FIVE European Tour trophies showing the undeniable talent he possesses.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
