Dave Chisnall had an early exit from Blackpool at the World Matchplay 2026, coming up short against Dutchman Wesley Nijman but is back to look ahead to this evening’s Quarter-Finals exclusively for kwiff.
Dave Chisnall: World Matchplay 2026
It was great to be back on the Winter Gardens stage last weekend, even if the result didn’t go as I’d liked. I think I should have been 3-2 up at the break, although my manager Roger thinks 4-1, and I was quite happy with the way I played up there.
There was the usual missed doubles, but my scoring was good and it felt really good to hear the crowd get behind me up there. I’ve been coming to Blackpool a long time and being a St Helens, and now Morecambe boy, it’s just around the corner from us so I was expecting to get the rub of the green from the crowd.
World Matchplay 2026: Brilliant Blackpool Crowd
But they were even better than I imagined and they don’t understand how much they spur you on to do well up there. Despite the result, I was happy with the performance and that little reminder that loads of folk out there want you to do well is sometimes lost on some of us out on tour.
There are always lots of encouragement on social media and people messaging to play well and good luck etc, but by the same token when you travel 12, 14 hours for a Euro Tour event and go out in the first round, you don’t need people messaging calling you all sorts and saying that you should pack it in etc. I suppose in the social media age the bad is more highlighted than the good but Sunday was a bit of a reminder that there are lots of darts fans who still want you to do well.
World Matchplay 2026: Friday Quarter-Finals
Looking at the prices to lift the trophy, they already have Luke Littler getting his hands on The Phil Taylor Trophy again and I wouldn’t be in a hurry to suggest anything else. His scoring is absolutely ridiculous. I was watching his opening game last Saturday, and the way he was able to average almost 110, and make it look rather effortlessly, is something I’ve never before seen in the game.
If he isn’t to lift the trophy, then who will? It’s good to see Gezzy getting back on it recently and I think he’ll beat Ross Smith in tonight’s first game. The second looks a cracker with two top, top class players when Van Veen meets James Wade. Wadey’s got a fantastic record here from getting to a first final against The Power 20 years ago, and then going one better the year after.
You forget the longevity Wadey’s had because he’s perhaps not one of the darlings of the media but he’s an exceptional darts player. I think he wins tonight, tomorrow and will play Luke Littler in Sunday’s final. I’m not sure if anyone can beat Littler in the current form he’s in, but if anyone can then James Wade can on the Blackpool Stage!
By Dave Chisnall
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