"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
PDC
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
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?”
Grand Slam spot
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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
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!”
Want to start winning TV titles
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.
ADVERTISEMENT
“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.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Well,I suppose if you don't play the tournaments ,then why should any player qualify? There are players who enter every tournament,and if they don't win it,they carry on, spending money they haven't won,yet certain players seem to think they should qualify. Winners only I thinkrick6714-11-2026
- Everyone knows what a fantastic champion Taylor was,but his performances in the seniors were poor. He wouldn't throw littler off stage,as he'd miss these days!!rick6712-11-2026
- He produced some impressive numbers in that qualifying campaign. I'm excited to see him compete at the World Championship once again, even if it will be difficult to replicate last year's success even with an improved performance, with the draw playing a huge role in determining his fortunes.Deduce635811-11-2026
- I often think about this very question. I think they should revive the format. They could even invite representatives from MODUS Super Series, with four series winners from the past year, and the ADC, with finalists from the Global Championship and perhaps other events. Why not throw in eligible representatives from the JDC and even the soft-tip game too?Deduce635811-11-2026
- So what if littler missed out, he doesnt have to enter everythingant10-11-2026
- Good, absolutely no loss if we never see this dancing goof ever again......no that is not fair. He absolutely cannot and has never been remotely able to dance!richieburnettrocks10-11-2026
- Yes Phil,now the money in the game is bigger than ever,you'd play littler. Well so would I! Retire on your memory Phil,and your successful careerrick6709-11-2026
- And why should he listen to you?Deduce635807-11-2026
- Ultimately it is a bye for whoever draws Barney. It will be another stroppy and sulky performance once he goes behind. Barney was excellent but really must completely call it a day now.richieburnettrocks07-11-2026
- I'm disappointed he was not able to secure a spot at the Grand Slam. With Carl Sneyd taking care of Daryl Gurney, he would have had to beat Andy Boulton before facing the winner of Sneyd vs Mensur Suljović for a Grand Slam spot. Unfortunately, after beating Filip Bereza comfortably, he succumbed to Boulton, and the board would ultimately be won by the highly inconsistent Carl Sneyd. Since he could instead have been drawn against the likes of Cristo Reyes, Dirk van Duijvenbode and Stephen Bunting, I think once Gurney was out of the picture he would have been favourite to win his board, and it seems like a massive missed opportunity to put 5 grand on his ranking and seal another major TV appearance ahead of the Worlds. The highs and lows of following Raymond van Barneveld!Deduce635806-11-2026
