After a superb World Championship, Chris Dobey has continued his form onto the Masters stage to begin 2023 ending Joe Cullen's title defence at the very first hurdle in Milton Keynes.
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Dobey sealed a 6-4 win with a 97 average. The highlight being a dazzling 125 checkout using bull, 25, bull to go 4-3 up and break throw.
Dobey went 5-3 up from there consolidating throw but Cullen saved his skin with a 108 checkout after Dobey missed a dart at bull for the match.
But it was just a consolation as Dobey finally got over the line after missing another match dart but Cullen couldn't hit 77 and Dobey sealed it. Next up is a top tie with Luke Humphries tomorrow.
While in a repeat of the European Championship final which was the penultimate tournament before Michael Smith finally got over the line in a major tournament, it is Ross Smith next up for the World Number One.
A top tie tomorrow evening but after the first leg, it wasn't 'Smudger' at his finest as he survived 'The Heat' in Damon Heta in a 6-5 win. He opened up with a 130 checkout but survived two match darts in a dramatic decider to see off Heta and keep his hopes alive this weekend.
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THE CHAMP IS OUT! ❌
Joe Cullen falls at the first hurdle in his Masters title defence, as Chris Dobey produces an excellent performance to complete a 6-4 success in style!
Last up 👉 Damon Heta v Ross Smith
📺 bit.ly/23MastersLive | R1