Dave Chisnall has started the 2026 season with renewed drive but admits his form has been subpar for a long time, bluntly stating, "I have just been playing rubbish for a good year." The 45-year-old Englishman, a former top-10 player, failed to win a title in 2025 and did not reach a quarterfinal at any major ranking event, marking a notable dip from his usual standard. Despite shedding quite a few pounds in recent months, Chisnall stressed, "I don't blame losing the timber," refusing to attribute his struggles to dramatic weight loss.
At the 2026 Belgian Darts Open in Wieze, Chisnall showed signs of improvement with a 6-2 opening-round win over Thibault Tricole, averaging 94.59. He explained, "I felt good at the beginning even though I lost the first leg. I got into a good lead at 5-1. I was relaxed. I think I got too relaxed to be fair. I just took my foot off the gas a little bit. Job done into tomorrow. That is the main thing." This victory advances him to the second round, where he faces compatriot Chris Dobey, a player who has made significant strides and now belongs to the sport's upper tier.
Chisnall's work ethic has shifted, with him practicing more at home to regain his best form. He said, "I am trying to get back to my best. I am practicing a lot more at home now so I can only get better." Cautiously positive signs include reaching the quarterfinals twice in the first Players Championship events of the year, indicating his base level remains. For now, Chisnall remains realistic, focusing on rediscovering his old level rather than titles, concluding, "It can't get any worse." With a renewed mindset, he aims to put his lean spell behind him and extend his upward curve against Dobey and throughout the season.
