Bedlington-born Chris Dobey seals first PDC ranking title after dramatic Players Championship 18 victory

Bedlington-born Chris Dobey sealed his first-ever PDC ranking title as he edged out Jose De Sousa in Tuesday's Players Championship 18 final in Coventry.
Bedlington-born Chris Dobey has sealed his first PDC ranking title at the Players Championship 18 in Coventry. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)Bedlington-born Chris Dobey has sealed his first PDC ranking title at the Players Championship 18 in Coventry. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)
Bedlington-born Chris Dobey has sealed his first PDC ranking title at the Players Championship 18 in Coventry. (Photo by Luke Walker/Getty Images)

The Portuguese Da Sousa missed eight match darts when he came from 3-0 and 4-1 down to lead 7-6.

However, Dobey survived to clinch a dramatic tournament victory 8-7 in what was his fifth PDC ranking final – his first in two years.

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The £10,000 prize money also puts Dobey into a provisional qualifying place for the World Matchplay, which takes place at Blackpool’s Winter Gardens later this month.

On his route to the final, Dobey saw off the likes of Jeff Smith, Luke Humphries, Premier League and Masters champion Jonny Clayton, Stephen Bunting and Dutchman Maik Kuivenhoven.

Dobey said: "To finally get a title means the world. I'm happy with today - I've played solid all day.

"I've played in local competitions and last-leg deciders have been my game, and I've proven it today.

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"I was down and out against Willie Borland, same against Stephen Bunting. I don't think I've ever lost against Jose - I've got a great record.

"I've never been so nervous in my life going for those doubles. They weren't far away but he missed doubles, he probably should have won but I've done it now!

"I've had the experience of being in finals before but I haven't got over that winning line. I've said for a long time now that once I get that first one then hopefully I can get some more under my belt."