"I can’t keep playing well on TV and not getting anything for it": Chris Dobey sets sights on major titles after booking Grand Slam spot

Chris Dobey battled through a gruelling day at Players Championship 33 to claim his ninth PDC title and third of the year, defeating Willie O’Connor in a tense final to book his place at next month’s Grand Slam of Darts.

It was Dobey’s toughest challenge of the day, and one he had to dig deep to win after chasing for much of the match as he spoke post final. “Yeah, I kind of started to run out of steam, run out of energy, and I think the same for Willie,” Dobey admitted. “He let us in a couple of times, which not a lot of people have today. I’ve took my chances and once again, when he let us in, you take advantage.”

Dobey’s form across the day was outstanding, averaging around 108 from the board final stage onwards. Even when the averages dipped slightly in the semis and final, the Bedlington thrower maintained a high level to get the job done.

“Yeah, I’ve put some good performances in today when I needed to,” he said. “Kind of got over the voodoo of Damon Heta — first time I’ve beat him. Hadn’t beat Nathan in a while, so yeah, it’s nice to play well and get them. But to keep it consistent over the full day, I’m happy, and hopefully that’s me in the Grand Slam, is it?”

It was quickly confirmed that the win had indeed secured his Grand Slam qualification, joining Damon Heta among the provisional contenders, but Dobey’s ranking strength means his place is already assured.

“Yeah, it just goes to show — you stick in and you get the rewards,” said the Bedlington star. “Like I said, I’ve played some good darts and I’m just happy to get over the line. I’m buzzing because it is a big thing. I have missed out the last couple of years and I think I might be defending something there, so it’s nice to get in.”

With the business end of the season now in full swing, attention turns to a huge few months that include the Players Championship Finals, the Grand Slam, and the World Championship — a tournament where Dobey has an impressive recent record.

“Don’t jinx it!” he laughed when reminded of his World Championship form.

“Yeah, I’ve said it in many interviews — it’s the right time to start playing well and to come good. There’s still so many tournaments left to play for and hopefully I can put myself in the mix. I’m happy with my game, I’m playing well, and yeah, I’ve got to buy the lads some food tonight, so I’m disappointed about that!”

The £15,000 winner’s cheque will help ease that particular pain, but Dobey’s focus remains on building momentum towards a strong finish to the year. Having dominated the ProTour floor events in 2024, he has once again proven his consistency with another title-filled campaign.

“It is a success,” he reflected. “I’m consistently playing well, I’m picking up titles on the floor, and this is what I wanted a few years ago — I wanted to get my floor game back to where it should be, and it’s at the top.

“Yeah, I want to start mixing it, winning TV titles. I can’t keep playing well on TV and not getting anything for it, so yeah, I’m just going to dig in. I keep believing that I’m going to win one soon, and that’s what I want. I want to be back in with the top players in the world, playing them week in, week out, and yeah, if I keep producing darts like this all day then I shouldn’t be too far away.”

With his ninth career title secured and a Grand Slam return confirmed, Chris Dobey will be back in action tomorrow, looking to continue his fine run of form — just as soon as he’s settled the dinner bill.

“As soon as I’ve paid for everybody’s food! Cheers, lad.”