CHIZZY LOOKS TO TAKE SCALPS AT THE BELGIUM OPEN

By Aaron Nijjar  

DAVE CHISNALL is looking to rediscover his best form ahead of the Belgium Open.  

World No.9 Chisnall was knocked out in the UK Open fifth round by Krzysztof Ratajski   

‘Chizzy’ also exited the first round of the World Masters for the first time since 2018 as he suffered a 3-1 defeat to Scotsman Cameron Menzies.    

The Morecambe thrower has endured a difficult start to the season, having lost in the first round of the World Championship.

Chisnall revealed to Kwiff he is disappointed with his own performances and is hoping to rediscover his best form as he aims to remain in the top 16 Order of Merit.  

He said: “The UK Open was another disappointing week, with this season running parallel to 12 months ago when unable to find any real form in the first few months of the year.   

“I had to dig in to beat Ricky (Evans) in the first game, but was the master of my own downfall against Krzysztof Ratajski – who has been a bit of a bogey player to me in the last year or so. 

“I lost 10-8 but the damage was done just before the second break. When you’re missing doubles the pressure just starts to build.  

 “Averages of 85 and 90 just aren’t good enough at this level, and I’ve got to sort it out.  

“The practice board is getting plenty of hours, and everything clicks there – I’m just struggling to translate it onto the stage. The first dart is going in too low at the Treble 20, which makes it difficult, and you then end up switching and going round the board. 

“We need to earn a few quid to stop us sliding down the rankings – down to Number 9 after a poor run. The most important thing is to stay in the top 16 in the world, which is my short term aim, and then win something by the end of April.” 

Despite struggling with his TV form, Chisnall has shown his class on the floor having reached the quarter-final of the Players Championship 3 this year.  

The six-time major finalist has been the number-one ranked player on the PDC ProTour over the last two years.  

Since 2023, he has claimed four Players Championship titles and five EuroTour tournament wins showing his dominance on the circuit.  

Chisnall is now hoping to add the Belgium Open to his trophy cabinet.  

He added: “There are no easy games at this level, and I’m not one for looking at draws, but if I were to get to the final, I’ll have to take some scalps along the way.  

“I’m playing the winner of Matthew Dennant and Pikachu in the first game, before the potential winner of Luke Littler and Gary Anderson, and then the likes of Wade/Dobey/MVG in the semis.  

“It’s no easy task. The standard is top class, but that’s the name of the game and I’ll be hoping to get my hands on that trophy come Sunday.” 

Chisnall returns to action tomorrow afternoon (Saturday) as he faces Ricardo Pietreckzo in the second round of the Belgium Open.

Image by Taylor Lanning.