Top seed at the European Championship: Can Dave Chisnall finally win his first major title?

Dave Chisnall is seeded first at this week's European Championship in Dortmund. 'Chizzy' owes this status to being the best player of the season at the 2023 Euro Tour tournaments.

Chisnall immediately started the European Tour season in style by winning the event in Kiel. Also in Leeuwarden (Euro Tour 6) and Budapest (Euro Tour 12), the Englishman lifted the trophy high above his head.

So after three Euro Tour titles and a Players Championship title in 2023, the question arises again whether Chisnall can finally win a major title. Six times he has been in a major final, but just as many times second place was the end result. In Chisnall's defense; in two of those finals Phil Taylor was the opponent and in three he faced Michael van Gerwen.

“I’ve had a brilliant year on the European Tour. The standard is so high right now, so to have won three titles is a massive achievement,” Chisnall acknowledged in conversation with the PDC. “I always fancy my chances to win a TV title. I’ve missed some opportunities [in the past] and you can’t do that at this level, but I’m going to carry on and keep believing."

Chisnall, currently number twelve on the world ranking list, will play Chris Dobey in the first round on Thursday night. So a tricky opening match for the number one seed.

“I’m really proud to be the top seed this week, but that doesn’t count for anything, and I’ve got a really tough game against Chris," Chisnall says of the tie. “Chris is a great guy and he’s had a fantastic year himself, but I believe in my own ability and I’m hoping I can have a big run this weekend.”