Chris Dobey achieved a remarkable upset on January 1, 2025, by defeating former world champion Gerwyn Price 5-3 during the quarterfinals of the PDC World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace, London. This victory marked Dobey's first advance to the semifinals after previously reaching the quarterfinals on two occasions.
The match was anything but straightforward. Price, the favorite, initially demonstrated sharp skills, clinching the first set with impressive averages. He maintained his momentum by winning the second set as well. Things looked promising for the Welshman, but as the match unfolded, troubles with double shots began to surface. Price’s checkout percentage dropped to just 26.8%, as he missed 41 darts at doubles throughout the match. Dobey capitalized on these opportunities, displaying both resilience and scoring prowess.
After falling behind 0-2, Dobey staged a comeback, starting with the third set where he recorded an astonishing average of 113.19. This performance was pivotal and turned the tide of the match. "I was never so nervous on double darts for match darts like today," Dobey shared with Sky UK after the match, reflecting on the tense atmosphere and the stakes at play.
Despite suffering from nerves, Dobey bounced back, taking the fourth set decisively and found himself drawing level at 2-2. From there, he gained momentum, winning three sets consecutively by exploiting Price’s inconsistency, especially on the doubles. The pivotal moments came, particularly the fifth set where Dobey claimed victory with ease, moving the score to 3-2.
Price struggled mightily at this point. Even as he fought back and attempted to regain his form, his performance was marred by missed chances. Commentator Basti Schwele commented, "41 darts missed double, alone in this game. He is definitely among the top-5 of this World Championship," underscoring Price's challenges throughout the match.
Dobey then seized opportunities to set himself on the brink of victory, even as Price managed to force things to go the distance by winning some legs. Yet Dobey showed remarkable composure, showcasing his scoring ability without faltering under pressure, leading to his eventual triumph. The match ended dramatically, with Dobey securing an impressive double 18 check out to seal the victory, ensuring his place among the final four.
This victory not only signals Dobey’s entry to the semifinals but also sets the stage for what’s next for the darting sensation. With newfound confidence from overcoming the hurdles against Price, Dobey now looks to face the victor between Michael van Gerwen and Callan Rydz, both formidable opponents. His success this year could also present opportunities, including potentially qualifying for the Premier League.
Looking back at the match, analyst Robert Marijanovic articulated the sentiment circulating around the darting community, saying, "Dobey can fully exploit his entire strength - especially in this mid-90s area - especially because Gerwyn Price can’t hit doubles anymore at times. That was hair-raising." This encapsulates the dramatic swings the match took, showcasing the psychological dynamics at play.
With the excitement continuing at Alexandra Palace, the upcoming semifinals promise to be exhilarating. Dobey's performance against Price may not only define his current standing but also reshape perceptions around him, highlighting the unpredictability and fierce competition inherent to the PDC World Darts Championship.