"I'm not scared of them anymore": Chris Dobey revels in facing top players after Michael van Gerwen shock exit at World Grand Prix

After a torrid time in the past against Michael van Gerwen, Chris Dobey turned the tables with yet another win over 'The Green Machine' to end his reign as World Grand Prix champion.

Amid a backdrop of Van Gerwen missing two nine-dart finishes, Dobey put Van Gerwen under constant pressure before finally sealing the win and in getting the monkey off his back so to speak, he admits a newfound freedom.

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"I told people back home, all of my friends, family that once I get that first win, there will be a lot more to come. I think that's shown. I'm a better player now, I've matured a lot. I've grown into a better player all around. I've learned a lot from that first win and look where I am now," said Dobey post match.

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It's not a mindset that has come over night in terms of his Van Gerwen hoodoo, but it is one that now sees him no longer fear the big names either.

"I used to go in thinking oh I've never beaten him yet and even mid-game I think I was like 5-2 up one day on a ProTour and lost 6-5. You're thinking I'm going to win and all of a sudden you start thinking when he's coming back, you think oh I'm not going to win and you end up losing.

"Everything about my game now I've matured. I'm not scared of them anymore. I'd rather play them everytime. They bring the best out of me and I think I do the same as I never give up."