DOMINANT DOBEY CLAIMS PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP THREE
17/02/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
By Aaron Nijjar
CHRIS DOBEY bounced back from the disappointment of losing the Players Championship two final by claiming the event three title with an 8-4 victory over Jelle Klaasen in Rosmalen, Holland.
World No.10 Dobey who is now the top-ranked player on the ProTour Order of Merit, secured his fourth ProTour title in the span of ten months.
‘Hollywood,’ was in fine form throughout the tournament, posting impressive wins over Owen Bates (6-0), Wessel Nijman (6-4), Krzysztof Ratajski (6-1), and Callan Rydz (7-6) to reach his second final in as many events.
He produced a ton plus average against Bates and an outstanding 113.54 average against Ratajski alongside a stunning 164 checkout in the match, showcasing his quality on the floor.
In the final against Klaasen, Dobey raced into a 2-0 lead with an clinical 11-dart leg followed by a 13-darter. That advantage remained until the ninth leg, when the former Masters champion secured another break of throw. A 110 checkout made it 6-3 before a 15-darter extended his lead to 7-3.
Klaasen, competing for his first ranking title in ten years, pulled one leg back, but Dobey sealed victory with a composed 15-dart leg.
Reflecting on his victory Dobey said: “Honestly I was crying out for this form a couple of years ago. If I can take this form now on the stage I could be winning these Major titles.
“But it’s getting the floor game back on to the TV. Yeah it is hard but I keep working hard and putting in the hours and its starting to pay off on the floor. It’s just a matter of time before it happens on the stage again”
He added: “You have got to take opportunities like this every time. You come to these and [Luke] Littler and [Luke] Humphries there at home and you’ve got to make it count when they are not here.
“I’m not frightened of them but on their day they are really hard to beat. You have to respect that and when they are not here you have to make up for it. I have come here and done that.
“I love playing darts and I want to keep on winning titles.”
The ProTour resumes tomorrow with the Players Championship 4 taking place again in Rosmalen, Netherlands.
Image by Taylor Lanning.
