Dave Chisnall has opened up the 2021 World Matchplay with a hard fought victory over Vincent van der Voort seeing off 'The Dutch Destroyer' in a 10-8 victory.
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Chisnall hit a 97.5 average, four 180's and 10/14 on the doubles as he produced at the right moments to edge past the Dutchman.
To begin the tie, Chisnall missed double 18 for a 110 checkout and Van der Voort held throw from there with double four to lead.
Chsinall squared it up though immediately with a 64 checkout to make it 1-1. They continued to level the tie from there with Chisnall pinning a 124 checkout to make it 2-2.
Until he hit 60 to hit the front for the first time at 3-2 up. Van der Voort was straight back though in this rapid fire opener with a 129 checkout on the bull to make it 3-3.
Chisnall was straight back for a 161 checkout to break back for a 4-3 advantage before a 100 clutch checkout saw him further ahead at 5-3.
At the interval, he kept that two leg cushion at 6-4 up and did so at 7-5 with 96 on double 18, double 20 to maintain it.
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But back came Van der Voort who held to close the gap and broke to restore parity at 7-7.
Chisnall led again though at 8-7 after Van der Voort missed darts at doubles but just as it looked like a tiebreak was likely Chisnall struck back at 9-8 ahead and was throwing for the match which he claimed to battle through.
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