Clinical Chris Dobey quells strong debut from in-form Ritchie Edhouse at World Matchplay

Chris Dobey is the final player through to the Last 16 at the 2024 World Matchplay after taking down Ritchie Edhouse in a 10-7 win quelling a strong opening display from 'Madhouse' who has had a superb season.

But he missed doubles at the wrong times and Dobey punished in the latter half of the match to surge through. He now faces Michael Smith for a spot in the Quarter-Finals. A quality tie awaits between the pair. While Edhouse can look back on what if but also a solid debut on the Winter Gardens stage.

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Edhouse hit the front first on double 10. Dobey pinned a 46 checkout to level up with another hold. Edhouse missed 86 for a hold to go 2-1 up but Dobey couldn’t hit 80 and the Enfield ace hit double 16 for 2-1.

A 76 checkout saw Dobey make it 2-2. Edhouse missed 140 to hold with Dobey sat on double 20 and ‘Hollywood’ rose to the occasion with a last dart double five for 3-2. Edhouse pounced as Dobey missed. ‘Madhouse’ hit 116 for a break and 3-3. He hit 76 to consolidate and lead 4-3. A 130 checkout saw him extend that to 5-3 and he broke again and was throwing for 6-3.

He missed the chance to go 6-3 up going for double 10 instead of double 16 which was a bad choice as Dobey picked his pocket for 5-4 down. Dobey went double double on 19’s for 5-5 at the break. Neither could win the leg though on return with both Dobey and Edhouse faltering. Before the latter finally went 6-5 up.

Dobey hit his 96 using two double 19’s again to make it 6-6. Edhouse missed 108 for 7-6 up and Dobey went for that double 19 again albeit with two blocker darts. He didn’t pin it missing by a width of a wire but Edhouse missed again. Dobey had to split but missed two darts for a break and Edhouse finally returned for 7-6.

Dobey hit 80 for 7-7 to hold. He pinned double 16 to break and go 8-7 up. He went one away hitting double five. He sealed the win with a 65 checkout.