Chris Dobey became only the third player in World Championship history to secure rare checkout in Gerwyn Price win
Chris Dobey became just the third player to achieve a rare threat in his World Darts Championship quarter-final win over Gerwyn Prince.
Dobey beat Price 5-3 at Alexandra Palace on Wednesday to set up a semi-final with three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, who knocked off Callan Rydz in his match-up.
Dobey, who previously worked as a traffic management operative in Bedlington - in Northumberland - missed five match darts but hit a 92 finish with two double 18s to secure a first ever semi-final and a guaranteed £100,000 payment.
The 34-year-old, who last at the same stage last year despite being 4-0 against Rob Cross, also made a unique bit of history in his win.
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At one stage, with 182 left, Dobey threw a 180 and then checked out with a double 1. The last time this happened in the competition was 14 years ago when Gary Anderson did the same thing, following on from John Lowe's feat.
He was hailed as a "man of the people" for going for the 180.
Reflecting on his win, Dobey admitted that there plenty of nerves as he avoided a repeat scenario of last year against Cross and got over the line.
He said: "Where does this rank in my career? It’s definitely at the top. It’s a massive, massive achievement in my career.
“Getting over the defeat last year and getting over the line this year, it means a lot.
“Once again, the fans have been fantastic. I’ve never been so nervous throwing at a winning double than I have today.
“It reminded me of exactly the same as last year against Rob Cross. I thought: ‘Just keep going, you’ll get another chance.’ I’m overwhelmed.
“Thoughts did go through my head: ‘Please not again. Go out there and prove you can do it.’
“Does this banish the demons? It has got to. The hoodoo. It’s forgotten about now. I have taken that next step in my career.”
Next up for Dobey is Van Gerwen, who accused his opponent of talking "nonsense" after his win - while tournament favourite Luke Littler battles Stephen Bunting in another mouthwatering semi-final contest.
Josh Lawless