Dave Chisnall believes his Belgian Darts Open success can provide the springboard for his resurgence, as he eyes BoyleSports World Grand Prix glory in Leicester next week.
Chisnall defeated Andrew Gilding 8-6 to claim his third European Tour crown in Wieze on Sunday – his first title since his Danish Darts Open victory in June 2019.
The 42-year-old fired in a 170 checkout in his opening round victory over Jelle Klaasen at the Oktoberhallen, before landing a nine-dart finish in the first leg of his semi-final showdown against Danny Noppert.
It was the first nine-darter on the European Tour since Chisnall achieved perfection at the Gibraltar Darts Trophy in 2019, and his win over Gilding capped off a stunning weekend for the Morecambe man.
“It is very special. Any tournament you win is special, and I think I’ve earned it,” said Chisnall, who also defeated Nathan Aspinall and Jose De Sousa en route to scooping his 16th PDC ranking title.
“I wasn’t pleased with my performance in the final and Andrew won’t be either. We both wanted to win and we were trying too hard, but luckily for me that double 19 went in.
“At the beginning of last year when I lost my Mum, I thought I might not ever win another tournament, so this means everything.”
The seven-time TV finalist is now setting his sights on next week’s BoyleSports World Grand Prix, which takes place at the Morningside Arena in Leicester from October 3-9.
Chisnall has enjoyed consistent success in the unique double-start event, reaching finals in 2013 and 2019, while also featuring in two semi-finals in 2016 and 2020 respectively.
The St Helens star has been handed a tough first round tie against Belgian number one Dimitri Van den Bergh, who claimed back-to-back World Series of Darts titles in Copenhagen and Amsterdam earlier this summer.
The former World Matchplay winner also reached the semi-finals at the Winter Gardens in July, but Chisnall is in confident mood, having not lost his opening match at the World Grand Prix since 2014.
“I’d say over the last six or seven weeks, I have been playing some great stuff. It was only a matter of time until I won a title, and Sunday was the night,” added the world number 14.
“I’m looking forward to the World Grand Prix. I normally have a good run in that. I’ve been in a few finals, a few semi-finals. I cannot wait for next week now.
“I had an absolutely terrible year last year but I am coming back, and I see more trophies in my cabinet."