Chris Dobey came from two sets down to defeat former champion Gerwyn Price 5-3 to reach the semi-finals of the PDC World Championship for the first time in history.
Dobey, who had lost his last eight matches over the past two years, continued his good form after Price’s phenomenal start, winning four sets on the bounce and having five darts to win 5-2.
The Englishman’s failure to complete the task brought back memories of his quarter-final defeat to Rob Cross last year, when he blew a 4-0 lead.
However, the break allowed Dobey to regroup and ensured no similar collapse occurred, sealing the victory with a brilliant double-double in the 18th over.
“To come to terms with defeat last year and overcome the barrier this year means a lot,” Dobey told Sky Sports.
“I have never been as nervous about bowling for a winning double as I was today. I’m just glad I was able to do it and win.”
Dobey faced him early on, and 2021 winner Price got off to a great start, averaging 103.1 in the first set before breaking back to win the second 3-1.
However, Dobey responded by averaging 113.19 in the third half of the deficit and continued to play, with Price starting to fight in the outside ring.
These problems persisted throughout the match, and the Welshman was 41 shots short of a double in total, which Dobey fortunately took advantage of.
The 34-year-old from Bedlington, Northumberland, started with a 180 when the lead was 4-2, but nerves suddenly got the better of him and he let his five darts in the match beg, with double 10 and double four attempts missing from distance.
However, he showed great resilience to put those misses aside and finish the job in the next set.
“It reminded me exactly of last year,” Dobey added. “I thought: keep going, you’ll get another chance. Fortunately, I finally crossed the line.
“Honestly, I’m overwhelmed. I’m looking forward to this victory.”
