"I owe James Wade one after he thrashed me in my first appearance here" - Chris Dobey out for revenge in Grand Slam of Darts last 16

Chris Dobey qualified for the knockout round of the Grand Slam of Darts on Monday night by dealing with his rival Jonny Clayton (5-3) in their final group game.

Dobey managed to grab a 3-0 lead against 'The Ferret' with a 15-darter and two 13-darters. Clayton then came back to 3-3 before 'Hollywood' regained the lead with a 15-darter. Clayton missed three chances for the equaliser in the eighth leg before Dobey secured victory via double 13.

"I knew it was going to be a tough battle, especially playing a good friend like Jonny," admitted Dobey in his post-match interview. "I missed so many darts at double and Jonny punished me, but I'm just delighted to get through that one. The opening two games were a struggle, so I'm pleased to have put in a performance."

After finishing second in Group B, Dobey will face the group winner of Group A at the start of the knockout stage. That became James Wade, after 'The Machine' dealt with defending champion Michael Smith.

Dobey's participation in the Grand Slam of Darts in 2016 marked the big break for 'Hollywood'. He then surprisingly made it to the quarter-finals. His breakthrough was then stalled by Wade, who prevailed 16-5 at the time.

"I owe James Wade one after he thrashed me in my first appearance here," Dobey recalls. "But I think the longer format suits me, and I'll be ready for that."