Dobey ahead of facing Barry or Smith at World Championship: "Hopefully they’ll take it out of each other before they play me"

Chris Dobey is preparing for another year at the PDC World Darts Championship with a tie against either Keane Barry or Jeff Smith awaiting for 'Hollywood'.

This year has been very different for most and despite having fans in the venue, he won't be bringing any down as he is set to travel down alone but is looking forward to soaking up the atmosphere again.

“It’s the best venue and biggest competition of them all. To have the extra 10 per cent with the fans there, that’s going to be the best thing about it," said Dobey to the Northumberland Gazette.

“I love being down there with family and friends, who normally come to watch, but obviously this year is a bit different so I’m going down on my own.

“I’ve really missed the crowd. It’s hard to play without them because they always spur me on that little bit more.

“It doesn’t matter if there are 10, 1000 or 5000 people in, they’re, as I say, that extra 10 per cent I need. It’s just nice to have them back and hopefully I can get back to my best.”

On facing Barry or Smith, Dobey admitted that he is starting to get confident again after a barren spell and that he hopes for a brilliant tie between 'Dynamite' and 'The Silencer'.

"I’m pretty confident,” said Dobey. “I’ve had a bad spell during the past month or so but I’m starting to play well, I just need to start picking the results up.

“I’ve changed a few points on my darts and had the chance to try them out, so hopefully I’ve sorted that and I can get back to my best at the Worlds.

“I haven’t played Keane (Barry) before. I’ve played Jeff (Smith) on a couple of occasions but they’re both great players.

“I’m happy enough to sit back and let them battle it out - hopefully they’ll take it out of each other before they play me!

“I’m sure it’ll be a cracking game between them and I look forward to playing the winner.”