Dave “Chizzy” Chisnall is a darts phenomenon, celebrated for his incredible scoring power and thrilling performances on the oche. Despite a career brimming with Pro Tour titles, record-breaking 180s, and six appearances in major televised finals, the ultimate prize – a PDC major championship – has famously eluded him. Often battling legends like Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen, Chizzy’s journey has been one of near misses and heroic efforts. While his recent form raises questions, his legacy as one of darts’ most exciting and resilient players is undeniable, leaving fans to wonder if he will ever claim that coveted major title.
From Football Fields to the Oche: Chizzy’s Early Days
Born on September 12, 1980, in the darts-rich town of St Helens, Dave Chisnall’s first passion was football. He played for his local team until a devastating broken foot at age 17 abruptly ended his football dreams. This setback, however, proved to be a pivotal moment. During his recovery, Chisnall discovered darts, reportedly hitting a 180 with his very first visit to the board – a legendary start for a player who would become synonymous with maximums.
Breaking Through in the BDO
Chisnall made his debut on the British Darts Organisation (BDO) circuit in 2004. His talent quickly shone through, leading to significant victories:
- 2007 BDO Gold Cup: He clinched his first major BDO title.
- 2007 Isle of Man Open: Defeated BDO World Champion Ted Hankey on his way to the title.
- 2008 England National Championship: Another impressive win.
His impressive performances caught the eye of none other than Ted Hankey, who advised Chisnall to turn professional. This advice foreshadowed his biggest BDO moment: the 2010 BDO World Championship.
2010 BDO World Championship Final: A Glimpse of Greatness
Chisnall’s run to the BDO World final was nothing short of spectacular. He overcame tough opponents, including defending champion Ted Hankey in a thrilling comeback from 4-1 down, and top seed Tony O’Shea. In the final, he faced darts legend Martin Adams. Despite Chisnall’s trademark high scoring, Adams’s consistency and incredible finishing, including a 170 checkout, proved too strong. Chisnall lost 7-5 in a memorable contest, but this performance announced his arrival on the big stage.
The PDC Leap: A New Chapter Begins
Following his BDO World Championship success, Chisnall made the bold move to the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) in 2011, securing his tour card on the first day of Q-School. His transition was swift and impactful.
Immediate PDC Impact and a Shocking Upset
Chisnall quickly found his footing, reaching his first PDC final within months and winning his first PDC title at a Players Championship event in Crawley later that year. However, it was at the 2012 PDC World Championship where he truly made his mark. After a comfortable first-round win, he faced the undisputed king of darts, Phil “The Power” Taylor, in the second round.
In a stunning display, Chisnall delivered an incredible performance, beating Taylor 4-1 and inflicting the legend’s earliest ever World Championship exit. This monumental victory earned him the “PDC Best Newcomer” award. Although he lost his next game (a common occurrence for players who upset Taylor early), the win solidified his place as a rising star.
The Era of Near Misses: Major Finals and Heartbreak
Chisnall’s career in the PDC has been defined by his consistent excellence on the Pro Tour and his remarkable ability to reach major finals, only to fall short against the sport’s titans.
Prolific on the Pro Tour, But the Majors Elude Him
Throughout 2012 and 2013, Chisnall was a force on the non-televised Pro Tour circuit, securing multiple titles, including three consecutive Players Championship wins in 2012. He also claimed his first Euro Tour title at the 2013 German Darts Championship, a significant “big stage” victory he called the highlight of his career at the time.
First Major Finals: Battling Phil Taylor
Chisnall’s first two major televised finals were against the legendary Phil Taylor:
- 2013 World Grand Prix: Chisnall reached his first PDC major final, but faced a dominant Taylor who secured a 5-0 whitewash. Despite the score, Taylor predicted it wouldn’t be Chisnall’s last final, acknowledging his talent.
- 2014 Grand Slam of Darts: In another final against Taylor, Chisnall showed immense resilience, battling back from 5-0 down to level the match at 10-10 before Taylor ultimately won 16-13. This performance proved Chisnall could stand toe-to-toe with the best on the biggest stages.
Premier League Heartbreak and Van Gerwen Encounters
The 2015 Premier League was arguably Chisnall’s most heartbreaking campaign. He delivered incredible performances, including a 114.17 average against James Wade. He finished second in the league table, only to suffer a crushing semi-final defeat to Gary Anderson. Leading 7-4, Chisnall missed three darts to win 10-9, allowing Anderson to stage a dramatic comeback and snatch victory, a moment famously described as “stealing the prize from under the nose of Dave Chisnall!”
His next major finals saw him face another darting titan, Michael van Gerwen:
- 2016 Masters Final: After an astonishing comeback from 8-0 down to win 10-9 against Robert Thornton in an earlier round, Chisnall reached the final, only to lose 11-7 to Van Gerwen.
- 2016 Players Championship Finals: Chisnall once again met Van Gerwen in a major final, where “The Green Machine” dominated, winning 11-3 with a 108.34 average.
- 2019 World Grand Prix Final: Chisnall reached his fifth major PDC final, but the outcome was familiar, losing 5-2 to Michael van Gerwen. By this point, he had lost all five major finals to either Taylor or Van Gerwen.
Record-Breaking 180s and the MVG Breakthrough
At the 2017 World Championship, Chisnall played an epic quarter-final against Gary Anderson, firing in 21 maximums (180s), equalling the record for most 180s in a single match at the time. Despite the incredible scoring, he lost 5-3.
The long-awaited breakthrough against his “bogeyman,” Michael van Gerwen, finally came at the 2021 World Championship. In a stunning quarter-final performance, Chisnall not only beat Van Gerwen but absolutely demolished him 5-0 with a 107.34 average, even missing a double 12 for a nine-darter. This victory was a monumental moment, though he subsequently lost to Gary Anderson in the semi-finals.
The Euro Tour King and the Elusive Major
While the televised majors continued to be a source of frustration, Chisnall found immense success on the European Tour in the early 2020s, cementing his status as one of the tour’s most dominant players.
The 2022 Masters Final: His Best Chance?
The 2022 Masters presented Chisnall with arguably his best opportunity to win a major. He navigated a tough field, beating top players like Michael Smith and Jonny Clayton, to reach the final against Joe Cullen. For the first time, he wasn’t facing Taylor or Van Gerwen in a major final, and Cullen was making his own big final debut. Many believed this was Chizzy’s moment, but it wasn’t to be, as he lost 11-9 in a match where he couldn’t quite find his best form. This marked his sixth major final loss.
Dominance on the European Tour
Despite the Masters heartbreak, Chisnall transformed into an “absolute monster” on the European Tour:
- 2022 Belgian Darts Open: He won this title, even hitting a nine-darter in the semi-final.
- 2023: A phenomenal year saw him claim three Euro Tour titles (Baltic Sea Darts Open, Dutch Darts Championship, Hungarian Darts Trophy), beating Luke Humphries in all three finals. The Hungarian Darts Trophy final, in particular, was a classic, with Chisnall battling back to win 8-7 after Humphries hit a nine-darter.
- 2024: He continued his Euro Tour success, winning two more titles (European Darts Open, Flanders Darts Trophy), becoming only the fourth player in history to claim eight European Tour titles.
This remarkable consistency on the European Tour stands in stark contrast to his struggles in televised majors.
Recent Form and the Quest for a Major
In recent times, Chisnall’s form has seen a noticeable dip, with a string of early exits in televised majors. His ranking has fallen significantly, from World Number 6 in 2024 to 27 at the time of writing. Concerns have been raised about his unique, often “jerky” throwing style, which appears more inconsistent than ever, leading to lower averages.
Despite this, Chisnall continues to deliver flashes of brilliance, particularly in thrilling matches at the World Championships. Fans and pundits alike hope that “Chizzy” can rediscover his elite form. Darts is undoubtedly better when Dave Chisnall is playing at his best, and his career, filled with incredible highs and frustrating near misses, truly deserves that elusive major title. However, the path back to the sport’s true elite appears challenging for the beloved Chizzy.
Source: Based on an article from Darts Planet TV.
