Dave Chisnall is back ahead of this year’s World Matchplay Darts with Chizzy bidding to put behind him a poor run at The Winter Gardens. Read his exclusive thoughts ahead of a blockbuster week of darts in Blackpool. Read his exclusive thoughts in his weekly kwiff blog, giving you unique insight into the life of a professional darts player.
Dave Chisnall: World Matchplay 2025 Preview
If you’re a regular reader of this diary, blog or whatever it’s called then you’ll probably already know how much I’m a fan of The World Matchplay at Blackpool. Aside from the World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace the Matchplay is arguably the next biggest tournament of the season and one us northern boys are especially fond of
The Winter Gardens is an amazing place to throw darts. The crowds are always absolutely brilliant and gives us players a lot of respect. You sometimes see a bit of aggro and nonsense at other venues, especially with lesser traditional darts crowds, but the fans in Blackpool are always mustard.
World Matchplay 2025: Blackpool Bound
Some players like to know the draw and who they could play later down the tournament but I don’t like to look ahead further than the next game. I’ve got Mike de Decker in the opening round and he’s a bloody good player. What am I saying – you aren’t here at Blackpool unless you’re a good player, and some very good ones have missed out this year.
Mike claimed a first major in the World Grand Prix last season and played brilliant to beat Luke (Humphries) in the final. I don’t know further than that, just I might be playing my pal Steve (Bunting) if we win the first couple of matches – but it’s a big if with the depth of talent on display here.
World Matchplay 2025: Blackpool Bound
It will be nice to actually travel to the event and still be in my own bed at night – notwithstanding making it beyond the first round of course! Living in Morecambe, it’s just down the road to go to Blackpool so I’ll be travelling over early doors on Sunday and I’ve got a nice game time of around 4pm.
My preparation was completely out of sync last year with all the games being brought forward due to the Euros final, and the crowd was as raucous as I’ve ever seen them at The Winter Gardens. I lost a couple of legs early, and started to put extra pressure on myself, rather than just play my darts.
World Matchplay 2025: Fingers Crossed
Hopefully I’m in a better place mentally and can go out there and put behind me a shocking run there. I’ve been knocked out in the first round the last few years – and I can’t even blame it on bad luck or anything. I’ve just played poor darts, and I know I can do better. There’s been a lot of light at the end of the tunnel the last few weeks. I’m playing better, I just need to be more consistent. Fingers crossed it clicks this week.
Chiz x
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