Hollywood Chris Dobey claimed the latest Players Championship title of the season, but nearly tore up his own script as Dirk van Duijvenbode came close to pulling off a remarkable comeback – proper Rocky style stuff.
Dobey had stormed into a 7-2 lead and looked certain to canter to his second tour title of the year, only to see the Dutchman charge back and go nose to nose at the final fence. But the Englishman handled it slightly better and was first past the winning post. Right – enough horse racing references. Back to the darts.
Who says a long World Cup weekend leaves you flat? Not Damon Heta or Gian van Veen, both swapping national colours for their more familiar oche attire and making deep runs to the semi-finals. More on that pair shortly.
But the day belonged to the Geordie, who picked up his seventh career Players Championship title and again showed that, on the floor, he has all the elegance of a Persian rug. The former Masters champion enjoyed some well-earned time away from the oche recently, celebrating his son Cole’s eighth birthday – a rare and cherished moment for a busy darting dad.
Dobey started smoothly, easing through his opening board, then hit a powerful ton-plus average to see off Josh Rock. The Northern Irishman played well, fresh from World Cup glory, but Dobey had too much on the day. Next came James Wade, a man who might not always dazzle but remains a constant threat after two decades at the top. Dobey came through 6-3.
In the semi-final, Chris edged out Van Veen 7-5. The young Dutch star, fresh from shining in Frankfurt, continued his superb form, but Dobey had just enough to cross the line. Then came the dramatic finale. What looked like a cakewalk at 7-2 turned into anything but, as Van Duijvenbode fought back with tenacity and superb darts to force a decider. But a relieved Dobey stopped the rot, finding double eight to clinch another Pro Tour victory.
Heta was another standout. The Aussie floor specialist delivered again, despite a hectic World Cup campaign. Without wearing the stereotypical cork-on-strings hat this time out, the Perthonian can be pleased with his day’s work. Dancing Dimi returned to Pro Tour action after his short break – fans had seen him at the World Cup, but this was a welcome return to singles play. A last-16 run helped him shake off any rust. And though there’s not much dancing at these behind-closed-doors events, the Belgian probably did a little jig of joy on the way out.
The battle for those last Matchplay spots is heating up nicely. Two more events in Leicester will confirm the full line-up. While most places are secure, Michael Smith made the big move today. Bully Boy’s quarter-final run, combined with Ryan Joyce’s early exit, puts him within £4,025 of that crucial 16th spot. A couple more solid outings could yet book his trip to Blackpool.
With just over £7,000 separating Joyce in 16th from Gilding in 9th, it promises to be a nervy finish at the Mattioli Arena. Tune in tomorrow, same time, same place, for the next twist in the tale.
—–ENDS—–
Images: PDC Europe
