Dave Chisnall believes he’s playing some of the best darts of his career, as he aims to end his wait for an elusive televised title at this year’s BoyleSports World Grand Prix.
Chisnall, twice a runner-up in the unique double-start event, is regarded as one of the greatest players never to win a televised ranking title, having succumbed in eight big-stage finals in the PDC.
Chisnall reached the first of those finals at the World Grand Prix a decade ago, producing a superb run at the Citywest Hotel before suffering a chastening defeat to an imperious Phil Taylor.
The 43-year-old has since established himself as a regular contender at the sport’s elite level, and after enjoying a prolific 2023 campaign, he’s confident of breaking new ground in Leicester this week.
Chisnall has scooped a hat-trick of titles on the European Tour this year, with the most recent of those coming at the Hungarian Darts Trophy less than a fortnight ago.
The St Helens star – who also celebrated success in Kiel and Leeuwarden earlier this year - then backed up his exploits in Budapest with a first ProTour title of 2023 in Barnsley last Thursday.
“I’m playing some of the best darts of my life, so happy days,” admitted Chisnall, who is a 16/1 shot with title sponsor BoyleSports to claim a maiden televised title at the Morningside Arena.
“I think I’m due a big title with the way I’m playing, but I don’t think about it.
“It’s hard enough to win a ProTour, never mind a TV tournament, but I believe it is going to come one day.
“I’m not going to say I will definitely win one because there are so many good players, but I will keep trying and hopefully it comes this week.”
Chisnall has been an ever-present at the World Grand Prix since his debut in 2011, finishing as a runner-up to Taylor in 2013, before losing out to an irrepressible Michael van Gerwen in 2019.
The Morecambe man also featured in the semi-finals in 2016 and 2020, and he’s hopeful of delivering another strong showing in the East Midlands this time around.
“I enjoy this tournament,” revealed Chisnall, who opens his challenge against Luke Woodhouse - one of three debutants in this year’s field.
“When I started playing darts, people used to say I couldn’t hit doubles, but when I come to this event, I seem to hit my starting double pretty well.
“Darts is a funny game, but if I can get away [quickly], I think I’ve got a great chance.”
Chisnall could renew his developing rivalry with Luke Humphries in round two, after the sixth seed was pitted against 2017 champion Daryl Gurney in a fascinating first round showdown.
Remarkably, Chisnall’s four titles in 2023 have all culminated with wins over Humphries in the respective finals, although Humphries did edge out Chisnall to win a ProTour title in Leicester back in July.
However, the two-time World Grand Prix runner-up is refusing to look too far ahead, as he bids to end a run of three straight defeats in TV tournaments, in a record dating back to January.
“I have a tough game. Luke Woodhouse is a good player, and I helped him qualify last week by beating Scott Williams [in Budapest],” continued the world number 11.
“Daryl Gurney has won this title before and he’s playing very well at the moment, so that will be a tough game for Luke too.
“Me and Luke [Humphries] have had some great games recently, but I just play the board, not the player, so if I get through, I will look forward to it; whoever I play!”
The BoyleSports World Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland based subscribers).
Tuesday October 3 (1800 BST)
First Round x8
Joe Cullen v Mike De Decker
Dave Chisnall v Luke Woodhouse
Damon Heta v Ryan Searle
Dimitri Van den Bergh v Chris Dobey
Peter Wright v Gabriel Clemens
Michael van Gerwen v Josh Rock
Jonny Clayton v Ross Smith
Luke Humphries v Daryl Gurney