Dobey clinches dramatic 17th Players Championship

Chris Dobey secured his second Players Championship title of 2025 by triumphing in a thrilling final against Dirk van Duijvenbode, clinching an 8-7 victory in Leicester. The match came down to a dramatic last-leg decider where Dobey executed a crucial 70 checkout to seal the win. Despite van Duijvenbode boasting a superior average of 102.4 compared to Dobey's 98.69, it was Dobey's precision on the doubles that made the difference; he successfully converted 38.1% of his attempts at double, while van Duijvenbode managed only 29.2%. This victory marks Dobey's seventh career win on the Pro Tour, reinforcing his status as a formidable competitor in the darts scene.

Throughout the tournament, Dobey showcased impressive form, particularly in the last 16, where he delivered a standout performance against recent World Cup champion Josh Rock, winning 6-3 with an average of 103.21. He continued his strong run by defeating seasoned player James Wade and Gian van Veen to reach the final. On the other side of the draw, van Duijvenbode had notable victories, including a dominant 6-1 win over former world champion Michael Smith in the quarter-finals and a narrow 7-6 win against Australia's Damon Heta in the semi-finals. Ultimately, Dobey's ability to maintain composure and execute under pressure was pivotal in his victory over van Duijvenbode in the final, further establishing him as a leading figure in the current darts landscape.