Dave Chisnall has claimed the last spot for the World Maychplay Darts in Blackpool after a superb pair of performances at this week’s Players Championship events in Leicester. Read his exclusive diary each and every week with kwiff.
Dave Chisnall: Punches his Ticket to Blackpool, July 7th 2026
I’m not gonna lie, today was one of the most pressure-filled days I’ve felt on the oche in some time, and it’s from all my own doing. Whether it was blind faith, or being a perennial optimist, I’d always fancied my chances of getting to Blackpool for this year’s World Matchplay.
Even when results hadn’t gone right at the start of the season, I’d keep telling myself that the aim was to get to Blackpool. When things weren’t going right at the beginning of the season, it was mentally a way of buying myself some time perhaps and then expecting me to pull my finger out as we reached closer to the event itself.
About 6 weeks ago I was looking at needing to make realistically 20k to make up ground, and take into account people playing well and similarly trousering a few quid along the way. Entering this week’s two Players Championship events I’d told myself that if I can make £8k (insert that silly Max and Paddy meme) I would be alright.
Dave Chisnall: Just Enough
Low and behold, I made £7750 over the two days and scraped into the last available spot at the expense of Daryl Gurney. His game actually saw a crowd develop around mine, with his 6-5 defeat to Madars Razma seeing people from that board come across to watch me play Greg Ritchie.
It was going so smoothly, until it wasn’t as well. I was 4-0 and missed 9 darts at a double – a few of those on the wire I might add – when he won that and got it back to 4-4. I’m pretty sure he had darts to go 5-4 up and you’re thinking ‘what have you done here Chiz, wake up you clown!’. Fortunately, I won the last two legs and could breathe a huge sigh of relief.
For some of the lads who are clearing a lot of money, it will be nowhere near their list of achievements throughout hte season, but today was one of the few good ones where I can give myself a bit of a pat on the back. Professional darts is hard, and the standard from a depth perspective is so strong thse days. Even when you’re playing the first round qualifiers on the Euro Tour – there are no mugs about anymore.
That probably made yesterday’s run even more impressive. And truth be told I should have gone all the way, but just run out of steam a bit against Cam (Menzies) in the semi-finals. Before that, I think I’d threw some of the best darts of my season yet when beating good pals Steve Bunting and Ryan Searle.
Dave Chisnall: Friendly Rivalries
Long-time readers of this diary/column whatever will know I hate playing my good mates up there. Some people thrive on it, and the two Lukes seem to raise their games for, but it just makes me a bit uncomfortable. That being said, I felt a bit relaxed this time around and took out some proper finishes in some tight games.
Steve and I always have tight games and I found some big 180s when needed, whilst against Ryan Searle he was sat on a double when I took out 148 to go 5-4 up in a hammer blow of a finish. Before that, he had started well in leg 4 when 3-0 up and I managed to find a 12 dart leg against the throw to win that, and follow-up with a hold .Suddently you’ve gone from 4-0 down to 3-2 and just gives you that much more space in a race to 6.
Dave Chisnall: Well Done Cam
Truth be told, from then on I thought with the way I was playing, and with a bit of momentum on my side I’d go all the way. I started strong against Cam and missed some poor doubles – I was 4-1 up and missed darts to win the next three legs. Even at 5-5 I fancied my chances but Menzies threw well, especially in that last leg with a big 180, and went onto lift the trophy. He’s had a tough year, and I’m genuinely pleased for him.
Hopefully I can bring that level of darts to Blackpool now. Fingers crossed the draw smiles kindly on me. I’m hoping that now we’ve booked our ticket, we can stay a few days! Thanks for all the support as usual – it really means a lot. Thanks for all the lovely messages.
Chiz x
By Dave Chisnall
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