Belgian Darts Open: Nine-dart hero Dave Chisnall ends three-year title drought
- Planet Sport writer
- 26 September 2022
Dave Chisnall hit a nine-dart finish on his way to claiming the Belgian Darts Open crown in Wieze, ending a three-year wait for his 16th ranking title.
Chisnall struck perfection in the opening leg of his 7-4 semi-final win over Danny Noppert as he landed the first nine-darter on the European Tour since his own effort at the 2019 Gibraltar Darts Trophy.
Six-time TV event finalist Chisnall then went on to deny Andrew Gilding a maiden title, running out an 8-6 victor in the final.
Both players had produced sparkling displays throughout the weekend to reach the showdown, and produced an intriguing decider in front of a packed Oktoberhallen crowd.
Gilding trailed from the fifth leg but produced a 136 checkout, the game's most eye-catching moment, to reduce the deficit to 6-7.
However, Chisnall held throw to land double 19 and avoid a last-leg decider to rack up his third European Tour title, all of which have been won in different countries.
"It's very special," said an emotional Chisnall. "Any tournament you win is special but this one means even more after a tough year personally.
"We've had a couple of family bereavements so this is for them. I had a terrible year last year but I'm coming back and there will be more trophies going in my cabinet.
"I've been saying for the last few weeks that this has been coming and this weekend it happened.
"The final was one of those games where we were both trying too hard to win a big tournament. Luckily for me that double 19 went in; I'm so happy."
Meanwhile, Gilding's continued strong form in 2022 sees him confirm his place in October's BoyleSports World Grand Prix, having already featured in the Betfred World Matchplay in July.
