“I don’t blame losing the timber, I've just been playing rubbish” — Dave Chisnall refuses to blame poor form on dramatic weight loss

Dave Chisnall has started the new season with renewed drive and motivation, but the experienced darter does not shy away from self-criticism. After a disappointing year, “Chizzy” admits his level was subpar for a long time.

At the 2026 Belgian Darts Open in Wieze, however, Chisnall showed the first signs of improvement. In the opening round he convincingly saw off Thibault Tricole: 6-2. With a 94.59 average he was efficient at key moments, although he was not entirely satisfied with his display afterwards.

“I felt good at the beginning even though I lost the first leg. I got into a good lead at 5-1,” Chisnall explained. “I was relaxed. I think I got too relaxed to be fair. I just took my foot off the gas a little bit. Job done into tomorrow. That is the main thing.”

That honesty typifies the 45-year-old Englishman, who has been struggling with his form for some time. Last season he was a long way off his usual standard. As a former top-10 player he failed to win a single title in 2025 and did not reach a quarterfinal at any major ranking event. For a player with his résumé and scoring power, that is a notable dip.

“I don’t blame losing the timber,” Chisnall stressed, referring to the fact he has shed quite a few pounds in recent months. “I have just been playing rubbish for a good year."

That work mainly translates into extra practice hours. Where he may previously have relied on his natural scoring, Chisnall now seems more deliberate in his preparation. “I am trying to get back to my best. I am practicing a lot more at home now so I can only get better,” he said with a hint of self-deprecation.

Even so, there are cautiously positive signs. In the first Players Championship events of the year, Chisnall reached the quarterfinals twice, indicating his base level is still there. The win in Wieze could therefore prove an important stepping stone towards more confidence on stage.

A stern test awaits in the next round, though. Chisnall takes on compatriot Chris Dobey, a player who has made significant strides in recent years and now belongs to the sport’s upper tier. A win would not only put Chisnall into the third round, but also send a clear signal that he is on the way back.

For now, however, the Englishman remains realistic. His focus is not on titles or big results, but on rediscovering his old level. “It can’t get any worse,” he concluded.

With that mindset and renewed work ethic, Chisnall seems determined to put his lean spell behind him. The question now is whether he can extend that upward curve against Dobey and throughout the rest of the season.