Glory for Chisnall at Players Championships 6 but Anderson forced out injured

Dave Chisnall won his first ProTour championship in 2024 on Tuesday, defeating Dirk van Duijvenbode 8-6 at Players Championship 6 in Hildesheim, Germany.

After throwing some magnificent darts throughout the day, the final was a gruelling battle marked by squandered opportunities for both.

Chisnall raced out to a 3-0 lead and extended it to 5-2 before being pegged back by Van Duijvenbode, who produced two 13-darters and a 22-dart break of throw to level the score at five apiece.

Chisnall then pinned a spectacular 135 checkout with a loud cry of emotion, bringing him within a leg of victory after Van Duijvenbode missed two darts at D16.

Van Duijvenbode answered with an instant break of throw to trail 7-6, and it appeared like he would force a decisive leg, but Chisnall profited on his opponent’s missing darts to seal the victory on double 14.

“We both struggled there. I was playing alright until I went 5-3 up, and he kept coming back,” reflected Chisnall, after scooping the £15,000 top prize.

“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.

“The 135 [checkout] there probably won me that game, but I think I got a bit over-excited as I played rubbish after that!”

The 128-player pitch in Hildesheim lacked five of the eight 2024 Premier League stars, most notably Luke Littler and World Champion Luke Humphries.

Despite the absences, Chisnall believes his most recent victory demonstrates his ability to remain one of the tour’s best players.

“This win is massive for me. I know I can beat the best, and I can be one of the best,” added the 43-year-old.

“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.

“It is still a great field here, all 128 players can play darts. I knew I needed to dig in after yesterday and I have played really really well today.”

After being named the 2023 ProTour Player of the Year after winning three European Tour titles and two Players Championship events, Chisnall has had a difficult start to 2024.

However, the St Helens star returned to the winner’s circle with a string of strong performances in Germany.

He began his journey with a hard-fought 6-5 victory against Cameron Menzies, then blasted Adam Gawlas without reply in the second round, and then overcame Vincent van der Voort 6-3 to advance to the Last 16.

Chisnall found his form there, with a remarkable 112.02 average and defeating Dom Taylor 6-3.

More brilliance came in the quarter-finals, where Chisnall defeated Martin Schindler 6-2, followed by a 7-4 victory over Ross Smith to advance to the final.

Van Duijvenbode, meanwhile, began his journey to the final with a 6-0 thrashing of Mensur Suljovic.

His best performances came later, when he averaged over 103 in a 6-1 victory over Stefan Bellmont and over 104 in a similar victory over Ritchie Edhouse.

The 32-year-old went on to win three close victories, defeating James Wade and compatriot Danny Jansen 6-5 before ending Daryl Gurney’s run in the semi-finals 7-6.

Meanwhile, a shoulder issue ended Gary Anderson’s run in Hildesheim, forcing him to retire from his last-16 match against Martin Schindler. The extent of Anderson’s injury is not yet known, or how long, if at all it may keep him sidelined for the next European Tour is fast approaching so Anderson fans will be hoping for good news.

2024 Players Championship 6

Tuesday March 19

Halle 39, Hildesheim

Last 16

Danny Jansen 6-3 Damon Heta

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-5 James Wade

Daryl Gurney 6-2 Michael van Gerwen

Connor Scutt 6-2 Jonny Clayton

Dave Chisnall 6-3 Dom Taylor

Martin Schindler Bye (Gary Anderson withdrew due to a shoulder injury)

Ross Smith 6-2 Leighton Bennett

Karel Sedlacek 6-2 Dylan Slevin

 

Quarter-Finals

Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-5 Danny Jansen

Daryl Gurney 6-0 Connor Scutt

Dave Chisnall 6-2 Martin Schindler

Ross Smith 6-3 Karel Sedlacek

 

Semi-Finals

Dirk van Duijvenbode 7-6 Daryl Gurney

Dave Chisnall 7-4 Ross Smith

 

Final

Dave Chisnall 8-6 Dirk van Duijvenbode