Dave Chisnall secured a hard-fought 6-4 victory over the unfamiliar Petr Krivka, admitting the unknown opponent made him anxious despite his opponent’s impressive finishing. Chisnall, who has been losing weight, firmly stated that his physical transformation has no impact on his darts performance. Now, he’s determined to find greater consistency as he prepares for a challenging second-round clash against Gerwyn Price.
A Tense Battle Against the Unknown
Dave Chisnall faced a challenging opener against Petr Krivka, an opponent he knew little about. Despite the Czech player’s strong performance, Chisnall dug deep to secure a 6-4 win, setting up a highly anticipated second-round encounter with Gerwyn Price.
Chisnall confessed that facing an unfamiliar player like Krivka created an unsettling atmosphere. “I didn’t expect him to hit that treble 18 for the 158 because he hit some good finishing,” Chisnall remarked, acknowledging his opponent’s unexpected skill. He continued, “I was a bit poor up there myself, but he scored some big scores at the right time and he had the opportunity, but he missed, thankfully. So yeah, very happy.”
The lack of scouting on Krivka’s low profile added to Chisnall’s pre-match nerves. “I’ve never played him before,” he explained. “That’s probably why I was on edge a little bit.” The match was a seesaw affair, with both players experiencing ups and downs. “We both struggled a little bit, but we both did. We scored good darts at the right time, and lucky for me he missed the double 19 because I had darts at the last and you never know what’s going to happen then.” This highlights the fine margins in professional darts, where a single missed double can change the outcome of a match, especially against an unpredictable opponent.
Shedding Pounds, Not Performance Worries
In recent times, Chisnall has undergone a noticeable weight loss journey. However, he remains adamant that this physical change has no bearing on his performance at the oche.
“There’s no upside. I’ve lost weight and people say it’s good,” he stated candidly. “It’s what we’re going to do, aren’t we? We can’t keep fat all the time.” Chisnall referenced past form to support his point, adding, “Like I said, I played darts last year when I was pretty poor in the Euro Tours when I was heavier than I am now, so I don’t think it’s to do with the weight.” This perspective challenges the common assumption that physical changes directly impact a dart player’s rhythm or stamina, suggesting Chisnall believes mental focus and consistent practice are far more critical to his game.
The Quest for Consistency: Looking Ahead to Gerwyn Price
Despite his victory, Chisnall has openly acknowledged struggles with consistency in his recent performances. He’s eager to find his best form, especially with a formidable opponent like Gerwyn Price next on the agenda.
“I can’t tell you, to be fair, it’s one of them,” he admitted regarding his fluctuating form. He provided insight into his current state:
- Practicing well at home.
- Playing some good games on the Pro Tour.
- Not performing as well on the Euro Tour.
Yet, Chisnall remains optimistic and determined. “It’ll come back sooner or later. You’ve just got to keep plodding, and that’s what I’m doing,” he affirmed, emphasizing his commitment to hard work and perseverance. The upcoming match against Gerwyn Price will be a significant test of his current form and his ability to maintain focus under intense pressure.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
