Dave Chisnall is a man on a mission.
Tough times and a downturn in form have seen him drop from his customary spot in the PDC Order of Merit top ten. But, having won a floor title already this year, Chisnall believes the only way is up.
"I've been playing very well lately. I've been practising a lot," he said to Live Darts.
"Practice makes perfect, and it's working for me.
"I have dropped out of the top ten but there's no reason why I can't get back up there."
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Chisnall had the chance to make a mark at the UK Open. He beat Luke Humphries and Martin Schindler before falling to a surprise last-leg defeat to Simon Stevenson. Chizzy revealed that he felt the heat in the last 16 tie.
"I went mad at myself when I got back to my room," he said.
"He hit some good finishes. But I struggled with the heat, my hands were so hot.
"It was the same for him. He came back and did the job."
"It's all talk"
Winning the Players Championship 2 title has ensured that the St Helens ace is off to a positive start in 2019. He admitted that it was just the tonic he needed to overcome a difficult 2018 season. "Last season I wasn't in a good place. "But this year I'm doing alright and, touch wood, it carries on and I keep playing, and keep winning tournaments." It's well known that Chisnall is one of the best players currently plying his trade who has yet to taste major glory. The 38-year-old was the Lakeside runner-up back in 2010, and has since reached the final of the World Grand Prix, the Grand Slam, the Players Championship Finals and the Masters without going on to take the trophy. He refuses to let that record become an albatross around his neck. "It's all talk. What people say is what people say. I don't let that bother me. "I might've won one, but I've not - I've just got to keep ploughing on, keep trying to win one, don't give up. "Keep getting to these finals. You get to these finals, it's still a good pay day," he pointed out.