"Huw Ware came over and said: 'Just come off. They are starting to throw stuff" - Chris Dobey on strange scenes at the end of his win over Alexander Merkx

Chris Dobey is through to the third round at the 2025 PDC World Darts Championship. On Saturday afternoon at the Alexandra Palace, last year's losing quarter-finalist defeated Alexander Merkx 3-1.

"I was up for the challenge today, and I managed to stay focused," said Dobey when speaking to the assembled darting press at the Ally Pally afterwards, noting one moment in particular that changed the game. "The 122 was a key moment, especially after he missed the bull for a 121. It felt like it had to go at that moment, and luckily for me it went in."

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After his heartbreak in the quarter-finals last year, dropping a 4-0 advantage over Rob Cross to lose out 5-4 and ultimately miss out of Premier League Darts selection, Dobey has been putting in the hours on the practice board in preparation for his Ally Pally return. "I have been working really hard in practice. My floor game has been brilliant this year," he explains. "I am happy with where my game is at the minute, and hopefully I can keep pushing on!"

Notably, after Dobey's victory, there was a curious moment on stage as 'Hollywood' was showered by red wigs thrown from the crowd. “I didn’t know if the fans wanted me to put one on or not. I thought Ed Sheeran was back in!" Dobey commented on the scene, paying reference to the global music superstar's appearance the day prior. "I don’t know, they were just throwing wigs on. Ginger wigs. It was literally just at the end of the game. Huw Ware came over and said: 'Just come off. They are starting to throw stuff.' I just booted one back into the crowd! It was just a wig. There wasn’t any dangerous side to it, it was just wigs.”

In the third round, either Josh Rock or Rhys Griffin now await for Dobey.

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