Third European title of season for Morecambe’s Dave Chisnall after thrilling final

Morecambe’s Dave Chisnall claimed his third European title of the season after a thrilling last leg victory in the final of the Hungarian Darts Trophy.

Chizzy survived a match dart and a spectacular nine dart finish from opponent Luke Humphries to clinch the crown 8-7 in Budapest.

Chisnall also denied Humphries in European Tour deciders at the Baltic Sea Darts Open and Dutch Darts Championship earlier this year, and completed the hat-trick over the weekend to retain his lead at the top of the Order of Merit.

Chisnall, who began Finals Day as top seed, thrashed Rowby-John Rodriguez, before edging past Michael van Gerwen to prevail in their quarter-final tie.

He then survived a late fightback from Scott Williams to win a dramatic semi-final, landing six 180s and averaging almost 101 to set up a showdown against Humphries.

Humphries threw a 170 checkout in the very first leg of the contest, before moving into a 3-1 lead.

Chisnall responded with back-to-back 12-dart legs to level at three apiece, and he continued with a 146 checkout in leg nine to edge 5-4 ahead.

Humphries then fought back, levelling up the match, before then producing a stunning nine-darter to move to the edge of victory.

But Chizzy wasn’t to be denied, as he won consecutive legs to force a decider, and he sealed the title via double 16, after Humphries had missed double 12 for a 141 checkout.

Chisnall wons the title and the £30,000 top prize with a 104.82 average.

“I would love to play Luke in every final! He is a phenomenal dart player,” said Chisnall, speaking after the victory, his sixth European title.

“I’m so happy to win the tournament, but full credit to Luke. He’s been playing with an injury all day.

“I threw everything at him and he just kept fighting back. I couldn’t get rid of him! It was a fantastic final.”

The 43-year-old now looks set be the top seed at October’s German Darts Championship in Dortmund.

“I always fancy my chances to win a TV title,” added Chisnall,

“I’ve missed lots of opportunities in the past and you can’t do that at this level, but I’m going to carry on and keep believing. I will win one!”