DAVE CHISNALL claimed the biggest victory of his career as he defeated Peter Wright 6-2 in the German Darts Championship final on Sunday night, scooping the £20,000 first prize and moving up to seventh in the PDC Order of Merit.

The St Helens ace had reached two European Tour finals in 2012, losing out to Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld, but finally went one better as he won his first title since last November.

Chisnall had continued his fine weekend's form at Halle 39 in Hildesheim as he defeated Paul Nicholson and Kevin Painter in deciding legs earlier on Sunday, before sealing a 6-4 semi-final win over Steve Beaton with a spectacular 170 checkout.

He enjoyed his most comprehensive win in the final as he dropped only two legs and averaged almost 100 in seeing off Wright 6-2 to claim glory in front of a sell-out German crowd.

After edging a nervy opening leg, Chisnall doubled his lead with a 13-dart leg and, after Wright got off the mark with a 14-dart finish, he then took out 130 for a 12-darter to lead 3-1.

Chisnall then punished a missed double 18 from Wright by landing double nine to move 4-1 up, and took out tops to move to the brink of victory at 5-1.

He landed a 180 to leave 73 in the seventh leg as he closed on the winning line, only for Wright to finish 106 in keeping his hopes alive - but the fightback was to be short-lived as Chisnall hit another 180 to set up double 18 as he secured the triumph with a 13-dart leg.

"It's the highlight of my career," said Chisnall. "It feels great and I'm delighted because I played well throughout the tournament.

"I was a bit nervous against Kevin Painter in the quarter-finals and I missed a few doubles, but once I came through that I played the darts that I know I can play, especially against Steve in the semis.

"I had four 6-5 results in my first four games but some of those probably shouldn't have been 6-5, but that's darts and I don't mind as long as I win them! If I'd hit my doubles a bit better then it might have been easier for me."

Chisnall added: "I had two good events last year where I got to the final but played Phil Taylor and Raymond van Barneveld, but this was my time.

"My form wasn't that good earlier in the year but I've got it back now, so I'm very happy."

Wright had to settle for the £10,000 runner-up prize as he was denied a third ranking title which would have been the biggest win of his career.

The Lowestoft ace, a semi-finalist in the UK Open earlier this year, had seen off World Youth Championship finalist Ricky Evans, German qualifier Michael Hurtz, Jelle Klaasen and Daryl Gurney on his way to the last four.

There, he overcame Richie Burnett 6-5 in an epic clash, with the colourful Welsh ace taking out an 11-darter and a 121 finish as he moved 4-2 up, only to miss one dart for victory as Wright forced a deciding leg, which he won in 12 darts.

"I'm pleased to have reached the final but it's disappointing to lose," said Wright, who continues to climb towards a place in the world's top 16.

"I think the semi-final took a lot out of me, and fair play to Dave because in the final he seemed to hit everything. I just wanted him to give me a chance but he didn't, and he played well."