Dave Chisnall claims first Pro Tour title of 2024 in Hildesheim

The 43-year-old held off a fightback from Dirk van Duijvenbode to triumph 8-6 in the final.

Chisnall raced 3-0 ahead and also led 5-2 before his dogged Dutch opponent produced two 13-darters and a 22-dart break of throw to level.

But, in a tight contest peppered with missed opportunities, the Englishman held his nerve to scoop the £15,000 top prize, having beaten Cameron Menzies, Adam Gawlas, Vincent van der Voort, Dom Taylor, Martin Schindler and Ross Smith en route.

“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 field in Hildesheim was without five of the eight 2024 Premier League stars, most notably Luke Littler and World Champion Luke Humphries.

Yet despite the absentees, Chisnall believes his latest triumph proves he can still be one of the top players on the tour.

“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 crowned the 2023 ProTour Player of the Year having won three European Tour titles and two Players Championship events, Chisnall has endured a difficult start to 2024.

However, the St Helens star returned to the winner's circle with a series of spirited displays in Germany.

A hard-fought 6-5 win over Cameron Menzies set him on his way before he thumped Adam Gawlas without reply in the second round, and he then defeated Vincent van der Voort 6-3 to reach the Last 16.

There, Chisnall really found his form - producing a staggering 112.02 average as he saw off Dom Taylor 6-3.

More brilliance followed in the quarter-finals to defeat Martin Schindler 6-2, and Chisnall followed this with a 7-4 win over Ross Smith to reach the final.