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'It will get better – Keep the faith!' – Dave Chisnall eyes return to top form in Belgium

Originally posted on Dartsnews.com | Last updated Aug 29, 2025 1:02 PM ET

Dave Chisnall heads into this weekend’s Flanders Darts Trophy as the defending champion. The 44-year-old Englishman hasn’t had the best of seasons so far, but he’s hoping that a strong showing in Antwerp can not only bring a successful title defence, but also inject some much-needed momentum into a challenging year.

Following a brief pause in the PDC calendar, Chisnall is gearing up for a busy spell, with tournaments on both the Pro Tour and the European Tour. Affectionately known as ‘Chizzy’ by fans, the English star claimed the Flanders Darts Trophy title last year with an 8–6 victory over Ricardo Pietreczko. So far this season, however, he’s still searching for his first ranking title.

Waiting to find rhythm

"I mentioned last week that I think me and plenty others are almost waiting for August and the summer holidays to finish so we can get into a bit of a rhythm for the rest of the year and I was surprised to see so many message in agreement," he writes in his column for Kwiff. "There’s only so many things you can do to keep the things entertained, and I’m glad the eldest is back to school in a week or so!"

Back to the Pro Tour and European Tour

"For me, it’s been a bit quiet with the PDC being in the southern hemisphere with action in Australia and New Zealand, but there’s good darts next week and I’m really looking forward to it. I’ve played well at the earlier Pro Tour events there and I’ll be there trying to bag a few more ranking points."

The resumption of the Pro Tour presents Chisnall with an opportunity to pick up vital ranking points and rediscover his best form. "We’re then Belgium bound on Friday looking to defend the Flanders Darts Trophy. Given how good I’ve been on the Euro Tour the last couple of seasons, it’s not been good enough this year and the Belgian crowds have always been so good to me, so I’m looking forward to returning."

Mixed results – but belief remains

Still, Chisnall remains realistic about his season. In previous years, he’s been a consistent performer on the Euro Tour, but things have been more inconsistent this time around.

"Results haven’t been as good as they could and should have been with my scoring so providing we can get our doubles firing I won’t have any excuses. There’s some good tournaments coming up where I’ve previously done well, so hopefully history can repeat itself pronto."

He compares his season so far to school report cards: "Loads of kids will have got their GSCE and A Level results in the week and I fear what I’d be scoring if I was having my darts graded for the first half of the year! It will get better – keep the faith!"

Fan questions: walk-ons, pranks and proudest moments

Chisnall also took time to answer fan-submitted questions in his latest diary.

Who’s the biggest joker on tour? "I think I’m a bit too old for all that now. Some of the young lads coming through can be a big daft, but nothing over the top thankfully!"

Best walk-on song? "I love Nathan’s (Aspinall) walk on and it really gets the crowd rocking. People took it the wrong way when I was asked about the picks for the Premier League when I said it should be on darts not your walk on – because his is the best and he’d obviously be in if came to that!"

Proudest career moment? "Just doing this for a living and my job being playing darts is a dream. I know how lucky I am, and it could be very different."

Any news on new darts? "Not sure yet, keep your eyes peeled!"

Conclusion: A crucial autumn ahead

With a packed schedule on the horizon, Chisnall knows the final stretch of the year could be decisive. A strong showing in Belgium and solid performances on the Pro Tour might just turn things around.

"There’s some good tournaments coming up where I’ve previously done well, so hopefully history can repeat itself pronto."

This article first appeared on Dartsnews.com and was syndicated with permission.

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