Dave Chisnall captured his first
Pro Tour title of the season on Tuesday by defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-6 in the final of the sixth
Players Championship tournament.
In the final, a 135 finish by Chisnall for a 7-5 lead eventually proved decisive. ''We both struggled there,'' the Englishman admitted afterwards. "I was playing alright until I went 5-3 up, and he kept coming back. It’s one of those finals where you have just got to get over the line and that is what I did - but it was probably the worst average I have had all day."
This title gives Chisnall hope of competing against top players such as Michael van Gerwen, Luke Humphries, Luke Littler and Gerwyn Price. “This win is massive for me. I know I can beat the best, and I can be one of the best.''
Finally, Chisnall admitted that he actually did not initially want to compete in the Players Championship tournament in Hildesheim. “I had a chat with my manager before I came over here. This is a tournament I was considering not turning up to to get more time with the family, but I turned up and won.''