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Chris Dobey eliminated world champion Michael Smith in the semi-finals before beating Rob Cross to win the Cazoo Masters in Milton Keynes on Saturday; watch Premier League Darts live from February 2 on Sky Sports
Last updated: 29/01/23 11:23
Chris Dobey defeated Rob Cross in the Cazoo Masters final
Chris Dobey claimed his first major PDC title when he won the Masters in Milton Keynes and hopes it will catapult him into the Premier League.
The 32-year-old from Bedlington beat former world champion Rob Cross 11-7 in Sunday’s final, as well as beating world No.1 Michael Smith in the semi-finals.
It was the biggest title of Dobey’s career and now he hopes it is enough to secure a place in the Premier League, which starts on Thursday.
Rob Cross (right) has beaten Peter Wright to meet Dobey in the final
Jonny Clayton and Joe Cullen have both been given places in the showpiece weekly tournament after winning this event in 2021 and 2022. The PDC is set to announce its line-up on Monday morning.
He said: “If you look at what’s happened in the last two years, it’s opened a lot of doors for Jonny and Joe… Who knows if I’ll get a chance? It might be too soon, I don’t know yet.”
Dobey had only previously been to the semi-finals of a major tournament, but his run to the quarter-finals of the World Championships last month gave him confidence that a good year was in the offing.
He consistently beat Cross and won the 10th and 14th legs against the throw which was crucial when he won.
Dobey added: “I’m at a loss for words. The crowd has been great, I just go for it and take my chances. I’m a bit nervous at the end but it’s a win win.
Dobey’s run to the quarter-finals of the World Championships last month gave him confidence
“It’s a victory and I’ve won my first TV title – it’s an honour.
“I can live with the best, I’m one of the big goalscorers. My finishing let me down. I’ve been pushing myself for the last few years. The way I’m playing now, there’s no reason why I can’t be there. the best.”
Defeat means Cross is waiting for his first major title since 2021 and he was disappointed with his performance in the final.
He might think he has done all the hard work after beating Gary Anderson in the last 16 on Saturday and then Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright en route to the final.
Cross claimed he was “rubbish” in the final.
“Peter would have given Chris a better finale, I was rubbish,” he said.
“This kid here is a great kid and deserves all the luck in the world. For me it’s not there. I’m done. Fair enough for Chris – he deserves it.”
Saturday 28 January
Afternoon Session
Danny Noppert 10-9 Stephen Bunting
Rob Cross 10-6 Gary Anderson
Jonny Clayton 10-3 James Wade
Chris Dobey 10-8 Luke Humphries
Evening Session
Second round x4
Dirk van Duijvenbode 10-8 Gerwyn Price
Peter Wright 10-7 Dave Chisnall
Michael Smith 10-7 Ross Smith
Michael van Gerwen 10-7 Jose de Sousa
Sunday January 29th
Afternoon Session
Quarter Finals
Chris Dobey 10-5 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Michael Smith 10-5 Danny Noppert
Peter Wright 10-6 Jonny Clayton
Rob Cross 10-7 Michael van Gerwen
Evening Session
Semi-Finals
Chris Dobey 11-7 Michael Smith
Rob Cross 11-10 Peter Wright
Finally
Chris Dobey 11-7 Rob Cross
Watch every week of the 2023 Premier League season live on Sky Sports from February 2
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