Dave Chisnall has reflected on a week of highs and lows at the Belgian Darts Open, insisting his game remains on the cusp of trophy-winning form despite recent criticism. The experienced Englishman swept aside Thibault Tricole 6-2 on Friday, a win he noted as a good omen following a similar victory that sparked a Pro Tour run in Leicester earlier this season. However, he suffered a "bitterly disappointing" defeat to Chris Dobey on Saturday, lamenting a poor average in a match that highlighted his ongoing struggle for consistency.
Chisnall now heads to Norwich for two exhibition nights at Carrow Road stadium, part of the "A Night at the Darts" events, which he says are "always good fun" with enthusiastic crowds. He then faces a packed schedule with Pro Tour events in Leicester and the German Darts Grand Prix, aiming to use the exhibitions to find rhythm and sharpness. He also tipped his hat to Premier League players juggling a heavy travel and media load, noting they are in Berlin this week and Manchester next amidst sold-out crowds.
Addressing social media critics who say he's not at his peak, Chisnall acknowledged they "may be right" but pointed to natural peaks and troughs in a career, citing icons like Phil Taylor, Gary Anderson, and Peter Wright who won World Championships into their 50s. With young talent surging, he remains defiant: "So whilst there are a lot of unbelievable young lads coming through, there's still life in the old boys just yet." His focus is on the coming weeks to rebuild form and confidence for another trophy hunt.
