"He's good for the sport. You need players like that" - Chris Dobey full of praise for Gerwyn Price after thrilling PDC World Darts Championship quarter-final

For the very first time in his career, Chris Dobey is into the semi-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship. After defeats to Michael van Gerwen and Rob Cross in the last eight at the last two editions of the Worlds, Dobey fought back from 2-0 down to see off Gerwyn Price 5-3 on Wednesday afternoon to keep his title hopes alive.

As mentioned, Dobey started somewhat slowly, dropping to a 2-0 deficit to his Welsh opponent. Roaring back strongly though, 'Hollywood' bounced back to reel off the next four sets in succession. As the finish line neared though, nerves made life difficult for Dobey as he saw five matchdarts come and go. Despite that, and memories of giving away a 4-0 advantage to Cross in the quarter-final twelve months ago, Dobey refocused and took victory in set 8, finally getting into the last 4 at the World Darts Championship for the first time in his career.

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"This means a lot. It's a massive, massive achievement in my career just getting over that winning line, and honestly, it's hard work," Dobey sighed with relief in his post-match press conference afterwards. "It's the most nervous I've ever felt throwing to try and win a match, not going to lie. But yeah, I give myself a telling off in the break and just come out and I knew could do it, I knew I had it in me. But yeah, I'm delighted."

As mentioned, the memories of last year's heartbreak were surged back into the forefront of people's minds, Dobey included. "Thoughts did go through my head. 'Just please not again. Just go out there and prove that you can do it'," he recalls. "Honestly, throwing to win the match there it was so nerve-wracking. I had the crowd on my side and then when Gezzy pinched it, the crowd started to turn and started chanting his name as well."

Dobey in action at the Ally Pally

Despite Price's antics turning the crowd against Dobey towards the end though, 'Hollywood' is delighted to see the former world champion back enjoying his darts. In the press conference, the moment Price smiled after Dobey's matchdart disaster was brought up. "He smiled because he was probably happy to get an opportunity!" Dobey said in defence of Price. "He was gracious in defeat. I've got a lot of respect for him and he has had a lot of stick in the past from the fans, but he's kind of played his way out of that and they've started getting on his side. He's a good lad, he keeps himself to himself and I've got nothing but respect for him."

"He does have his moments where he doesn't like the game, doesn't want to play the game, but he's changed his demeanour now and he wants to play the game," Dobey adds on Price. "He's good for the sport. You need players like that, it brings fans into the game and yeah, I'm just glad to get one over on him today."

As mentioned, in the semi-finals now, three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen awaits for Dobey, after the Dutchman saw off Callan Rydz 5-3 in a thrilling quarter-final this afternoon. "I do believe that I can go on and win it," Dobey says firmly. "I just need to keep performing the way I am, start hitting the doubles and yeah, I really do believe that I can go all the way."

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Third time lucky for Chris Dobey! 'Hollywood' survives matchdart nerves to reach first ever PDC World Darts Championship semi-final

Michael van Gerwen holds off rampant Rydz in one of the great PDC World Darts Championship quarter-finals

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