DOBEY DEMANDS PREMIER LEAGUE RETURN

CHRIS DOBEY insists he belongs in the Premier League after storming into the Grand Slam of Darts knockouts in style.

‘Hollywood’ made it three wins from three in Wolverhampton, smashing his group with a trio of 5–1 victories to reach the last 16 without breaking a sweat.

Bedlington thrower Dobey has won THREE Players Championship titles this year but has failed to reach a quarter-final at his last five ranked major events.

Dobey hopes he can push his form on the floor on to the big stage in hopes of returning to the Premier League next year.

He said: “This is a chance to get back up there and back into the conversation for the Premier League.

“That’s where you want to be — you want to be questioned for the Premier League and putting in big performances. I belong there, and I want to prove it.

“I want to start winning these events now — not just reaching quarters or semis.

“That’s what gets your name out there and pushes you towards the Premier League and the top four in the rankings.

“It is frustrating because I know my game is there and I can do it.

“I’ve been playing all right on TV, just not getting the results.

“It’s the first time I’ve ever topped the group. That’s a nice bonus for the rankings as well.

“I’m happy with where I am right now. I feel something’s just around the corner — whether it’s this week or next, who knows? But my game’s there, and I’m ready.”

Dobey’s final group win came against former runner-up Martin Lukeman, who visibly struggled on stage.

He added: “I knew he was feeling something — he kept stopping, but not on purpose. He was trying to regroup.

“You’ve kind of got to pounce on that, and I took my chances later on. Early doors it was a bit of a scrap, but I’m happy to win.

“He told me at the end that he was struggling to grip his darts. He didn’t know why they were slipping — maybe he needs a new barrel.

“I knew he was struggling and I just kind of eased off, which I know I shouldn’t have. It’s hard not to. But I got the job done, and that’s the main thing.”

World No. 8 Dobey missed out on the TV event last year despite winning three Pro Tour titles and he reckons the qualification system should be looked at.

He continued: “Yeah, it just shows you how it goes.

“Last year a few lads made TV finals you wouldn’t have expected, and that knocked me out. I think I was in until the European Championships, when Ritchie Edhouse and Jermaine Wattimena reached the final.

“You’ve just got to move on. I wanted to get here again this year, put in the same performances on the floor, and luckily this time it got me in.

“Some think winning a Pro Tour should get you in before the qualifiers. Maybe they’ll look into it — maybe reduce it from eight qualifiers to four, which I think would be fair.

“But at the end of the day, you’ve just got to play by the rules. Last year I missed out after winning three, but I knuckled down and came back stronger.”

Dobey returns to action on Wednesday evening and will face Michael Smith for a place in the quarter-final.

Image by Taylor Lanning.