PDC World Darts Championship 2025: Chris Dobey Shuts Down Premier League Return Talks

Chris Dobey, the man at the receiving end of one of Ally Pally’s most dramatic comebacks last year, returned to the iconic stage determined to put the past behind him.

Last Year’s Heartbreak 

In last year’s quarterfinals, Dobey raced to a commanding 4-0 lead over former world champion Rob Cross, only to suffer a stunning collapse and lose 5-4 in what many dubbed an “embarrassing” fashion.

Now, “Hollywood” has made amends for that crushing defeat. This season, Dobey has showcased remarkable consistency, particularly in floor events, where he claimed the top seed at November’s Players Championship Finals.

In his opening-round match at this year’s World Championship, Dobey maintained that form with a strong victory over Dutchman Alexander Merkx, securing a spot in the third round, which resumes after Christmas.

Premier League Talk

A deep run to the semi-finals, coupled with favourable results elsewhere, could catapult Dobey into the top six of the PDC rankings. Such a rise would make a compelling case for his return to the Premier League, after being left out of last year’s lineup.

The early exits of top players like Michael Smith, the reigning world champion, and World Grand Prix winner Mike De Decker, further strengthen Dobey’s case for a wildcard spot.

When asked post-match if he considers these results and how they might bolster his Premier League chances, the Newcastle native dismissed the speculation with a focus on long-term goals.

“If I get to the final then you might have a shout, but honestly, I'm not bothered about any of that,” Dobey told SportsBoom.com. 

“There's a lot of people saying who's in, Michael’s [Smith] in, Mike De Decker's in. It doesn't bother me. They can talk all they want. I just want to play darts; I want to go up there and win and hopefully I can keep on doing that and then give them a reason to put us in.”

Semi-final is the Target 

Confident in his abilities, Dobey expressed his belief that he can surpass his previous best—a quarterfinal finish—and earn his Premier League spot back.

“I've definitely got the game to do it. My aim each year is to better what I've done the previous year, and I'm hoping to do that this year,” he said.

Reflecting on last year’s loss to Cross, Dobey emphasised how he has moved past the defeat mentally, fully focused on the challenges ahead.

“Obviously, I've put last year behind this, and I'm ready for the challenge. I'll be relishing the chance to play whoever comes out with the next one,” he added.

As Dobey progresses through the tournament, he remains resolute in his approach—focused on delivering results, proving his worth, and letting his darts do the talking.