Dobey beats Price to reach semi-finals at Worlds

For the first time in two sets, Chris Dobey defeated Gerwyn Price 5-3 to advance to the PDC World Championship semi-finals.

After a blistering start from Price, Dobey, who had five darts to win 5-2, held on to win in the final eight games of the previous two years.

The Englishman’s failure to finish the job brought back memories of his quarter-final defeat by Rob Cross last year, when he surrendered a 4-0 lead.

However, a break allowed Dobey to regroup and prevented another collapse, resulting in a brilliant double-double on the 18s.

In the final four, he will face Callan Rydz or Michael van Gerwen, who has three-time champions.

Dobey told Sky Sports, “Getting over that defeat last year and moving over the line this year means a lot.”

“I’ve never been throwing for a winning double like I’m doing today.” I’m pleased that I did it and won.

With a flying start from 2021 winner Price, who averaged 103.1 in the opening set before breaking to win the second 3-1, Dobey faced it head-on.

However, Dobey responded by averaging 113.19 in the third to halve the deficit, and pushed on with Price starting to struggle on the outer ring.

Those issues continued throughout the match, with the Welshman missing 41 darts at double in total, and Dobey happily took advantage.

The 34-year-old from Bedlington, Northumberland, started with a 180 when 4-2 up but was suddenly overcome by nerves and let five darts for the match go begging, with attempts at double 10 and double four missing the mark by a distance.

But he showed great resilience to overcome his shortcomings and succeed in the next set.

“It reminded me exactly of last year”, Dobey added. “I thought, just keep going, you will get another chance. Luckily, I finally got over the line.

Afternoon Session

Chris Dobey 5-3 Gerwyn Price

Callan Rydz vs. Michael van Gerwen

Evening Session (19: 00)

Peter Wright v Stephen Bunting

Luke Littler v Nathan Aspinall