Chris Dobey just hung on to his World Matchplay spot after winning his maiden PDC title at the PDC Super Series 5 following four previous attempts stretching back to 2016.
‘Hollywood’ will now take on Joe Cullen in the opening round and returns to the Winter Gardens having missed 2020’s excursion to the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes having not qualified.
He spoke to DartsNews.com in the run up to the tournament about his return to Blackpool and what it means to him.
“I’m very much looking forward to making a return to the Matchplay it’s a great competition and I love the format too so can’t wait to get back up there,” said Dobey to DartsNews.com.
Looking to kick on after maiden success
Speaking on those multiple attempts, a sense of relief was there for the Bedlington ace as well as belief previously when it wasn’t going his way in terms of title success.
“I was just so happy to get that first title under my belt hopefully I can kick on from that and progress to get more,” he continued.
“I knew I’d definitely get one soon I believe in myself so much and it was just a matter of time before I got my first win I have been playing so well of late so that has finally paid off.”
Rivalry with Rydz and strength of North East darts
One player who Dobey will be glad to greet with his success was fellow Bedlington thrower, Callan Rydz who also holds a PDC title and gloated about being the best player on their street with the duo basically being neighbours.
He discussed their rivalry of sorts and believes it is good for both of them. “We always have that banter with each other it’s great to have something like that going to it definitely bring us both on I think.”
Rydz will face off against fellow North East ace and former Premier League champion Glen Durrant and it is one Dobey is looking forward to as well as discussing the state of North East darts.
“Yeah, I for one will be watching that match closely with it being a North East derby, but yes the standard in darts in the north east is ridiculous to be fair, it’s a real tough ask just to win a local comp.”
Cullen clash
Returning to the World Matchplay and for Dobey, like alluded to it will be Joe Cullen first up and he believes it is a game that suits both players.
“I think it’s quite a good draw for us both to be honest we both prefer to play players that you can get into a rhythm against, no doubt it will be a tough game but I’m going in full of confidence on the back of my win at the Super Series.”
Post World Matchplay as well, a certain other showpiece event at the back end of the year is in the mind of Dobey.
“Just wanting to push on get myself in all the TV events and have a deep run at the Worlds and get into the top 16.”
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