Dave Chisnall missed crucial doubles in his opening match in Group A of the Grand Slam of Darts on his way to a 3-5 defeat at the hands of Raymond Van Barneveld.
Both players struggled with their ability to finish as a combined 31 darts were missed at doubles.
Chizzy began the contest with a 96 score and followed this up with a 100. His scoring deteriorated during the opening leg and this was mirrored by Van Barneveld. The St Helens-born player needed two darts to checkout 20 and secure himself a one leg advantage.
His opponent, the veteran Van Barneveld, threatened to equalise with some heavy scores of 100 and two 140s. Chizzy struggled to get going yet managed to double his lead due to Barney’s profligacy on the doubles.
Now world number 14, following his performance at the European Championships, Chisnall also showed inefficiency with his doubling. This allowed Barney to get a leg on the board in 16 darts.
The Dutchman, who’s world number 50, won the fourth leg in 15 darts to draw level at 2-2.
Chizzy hit back with a superb leg. Winning in 13 darts, he hit a 180 and a 137 before pinning double 18 to regain the lead.
With some impressive scoring, Barney bounced back. Striking four 100+ scores, he won the sixth leg of the contest by pinning double 12. This was after he previously missed three darts at the same target.
This spurred Barney on. He quickly followed up with another leg win in 12 darts. Hitting two 180s and a 100, he checked 41 out via single nine, 16 and double eight.
With the pressure on both players, Barney to win the match and Chizzy to reduce the deficit, as was the case for most of the game, double-hitting wasn’t a strong point.
Chizzy started the final leg by scoring 134, however Barney managed to put a more consistent point-scoring leg together. With four 100+ scores, he won the final leg in 19 darts.
Chisnall will play his second match in Group A on Sunday afternoon.
