"Was one of the most pressure-filled days I've felt on the oche and it's from all my own doing": Dave Chisnall feels the heat in last-gasp World Matchplay qualification

Dave Chisnall secured his place at the World Matchplay at the very last opportunity. Thanks to two strong performances at the Players Championship events in Leicester, the Englishman claimed the final available spot for the prestigious tournament in Blackpool. Afterwards, 'Chizzy' reflected candidly on the nerve-racking battle to qualify.

According to Chisnall, the deciding day was one of the most stressful experiences he has had on the dartboard in recent times.

"I’m not gonna lie, today was one of the most pressure-filled days I’ve felt on the oche in some time, and it’s from all my own doing," he said in his Kwiff column.

Despite enduring a difficult season, he never lost faith that he would make it. Qualifying for the World Matchplay remained the goal he had been focused on for months.

"Whether it was blind faith, or being a perennial optimist, I’d always fancied my chances of getting to Blackpool for this year’s World Matchplay. Even when results hadn’t gone right at the start of the season, I’d keep telling myself that the aim was to get to Blackpool."

Six weeks ago, the situation looked far more bleak. Chisnall calculated that he needed to earn around £20,000 in prize money to make up the deficit. Heading into the Leicester double-header, he set himself what he felt was a more realistic target.

"About 6 weeks ago I was looking at needing to make realistically 20k to make up ground, and take into account people playing well and similarly trousering a few quid along the way. Entering this week’s two Players Championship events I’d told myself that if I can make £8k, I would be alright."

In the end, he fell just short of that figure. However, with £7,750 in prize money, he still claimed the final World Matchplay qualification place, edging out Daryl Gurney.

The conclusion was anything but straightforward. While Gurney lost his decisive match 6-5 to Madars Razma, Chisnall was taking on Greg Ritchie. A comfortable 4-0 lead appeared to have him cruising to victory, but that advantage disappeared in no time. Chisnall kept his composure, won the final two legs and finally booked his spot in Blackpool.

"It was going so smoothly, until it wasn’t as well. I was 4-0 and missed 9 darts at a double – a few of those on the wire I might add – when he won that and got it back to 4-4. I’m pretty sure he had darts to go 5-4 up and you’re thinking ‘what have you done here Chiz, wake up you clown!’. Fortunately, I won the last two legs and could breathe a huge sigh of relief."

While the achievement may not seem particularly significant for some of the sport's biggest earners, qualifying meant a great deal to Chisnall personally.

"For some of the lads who are clearing a lot of money, it will be nowhere near their list of achievements throughout hte season, but today was one of the few good ones where I can give myself a bit of a pat on the back. Professional darts is hard, and the standard from a depth perspective is so strong thse days. Even when you’re playing the first round qualifiers on the Euro Tour – there are no mugs about anymore."

The previous day, Chisnall had already reached the semi-finals before eventually losing to Cameron Menzies. Even so, he looks back on that run with great satisfaction. "That probably made yesterday’s run even more impressive. And truth be told I should have gone all the way, but just run out of steam a bit against Cam (Menzies) in the semi-finals. Before that, I think I’d threw some of the best darts of my season yet when beating good pals Steve Bunting and Ryan Searle."

Ironically, those were the matches he found most difficult mentally. "Some people thrive on it, and the two Lukes seem to raise their games for, but it just makes me a bit uncomfortable. That being said, I felt a bit relaxed this time around and took out some proper finishes in some tight games.

"Steve and I always have tight games and I found some big 180s when needed, whilst against Ryan Searle he was sat on a double when I took out 148 to go 5-4 up in a hammer blow of a finish. Before that, he had started well in leg 4 when 3-0 up and I managed to find a 12 dart leg against the throw to win that, and follow-up with a hold .Suddently you’ve gone from 4-0 down to 3-2 and just gives you that much more space in a race to 6."

Against Menzies, a place in the final also looked within reach. Chisnall led 4-1 but failed to capitalise on several opportunities. Albeit he gave a commendation to Scot saying he was delighted that he won through.

"Truth be told, from then on I thought with the way I was playing, and with a bit of momentum on my side I’d go all the way. I started strong against Cam and missed some poor doubles – I was 4-1 up and missed darts to win the next three legs. Even at 5-5 I fancied my chances but Menzies threw well, especially in that last leg with a big 180, and went onto lift the trophy. He’s had a tough year, and I’m genuinely pleased for him."

Now that qualification is secured, Chisnall's attention turns to Blackpool. He hopes to carry the form he showed in Leicester into the Winter Gardens.

"Hopefully I can bring that level of darts to Blackpool now. Fingers crossed the draw smiles kindly on me. I’m hoping that now we’ve booked our ticket, we can stay a few days! Thanks for all the support as usual – it really means a lot. Thanks for all the lovely messages."