Dave Chisnall Fails to Qualify for Double-In Event, Marking First Such Miss in PDC Career

Dave Chisnall’s 2025 campaign has been marked by frustration, and recent results have made that all too clear. Following a 6–2 second-round loss to Luke Woodhouse at the Swiss Darts Trophy last weekend, Chisnall’s hopes of qualifying for the World Grand Prix in Leicester this October have been dashed. This marks the first time the 45-year-old Englishman will miss the event since joining the PDC in 2011.

Chisnall has been a regular fixture on televised majors, featuring in 54 of 56 Sky Sports events since his PDC debut. His only absences came at the Grand Slam of Darts in 2018 and 2021. Twice a World Grand Prix finalist—losing 6–0 to Phil Taylor in 2013 and 5–2 to Michael van Gerwen in 2019—he has proven he can make deep runs when in form. However, consistency has eluded him this season.

His struggles on the European Tour are particularly stark, with nine consecutive first-round exits, including the recent defeat in Switzerland. Once a player who claimed two European Tour titles in a single year, Chisnall has now slipped out of the world’s top 16 rankings, sitting 17th behind Martin Schindler. On the Pro Tour Order of Merit, he’s also 17th, just behind Andrew Gilding.

Scoring power has not been the problem. Chisnall can still post high averages and deliver big checkouts. What’s missing is the ruthless finishing and mental toughness, especially under the unique pressure of the World Grand Prix’s double-start format.

For a player of Chisnall’s calibre, missing a major is a significant setback. Though still a dangerous opponent capable of beating anyone on his day, this absence shakes up expectations and seedings, highlighting how fine the line is between success and disappointment at the elite PDC level.

Looking ahead, Chisnall faces a crucial series of Pro Tour events to halt his slide, rebuild confidence, and remind the darts world why he has been one of its most consistent threats for over a decade. For fans, it’s a rare moment to see a familiar face missing from a marquee event—a clear reminder that even the best players can face tough seasons.