Chris Dobey has admitted that a fellow PDC tour player is 'in his head' as the Bedlington-born thrower discussed his least favourite opponent on the circuit.
The 34-year-old, who reached the semi-finals of the World Darts Championship for the first time in January, is facing off against some of the world's best during this season's Premier League.
He made the final on opening night in Belfast after beating Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross but has failed to get past the quarter finals since, falling at the first hurdle in Glasgow, Dublin and Exeter.
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But despite coming up against the likes of Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen and Luke Humphries on a weekly basis, Dobey has named a non-Premier League player as his least favourite opponent.
Speaking on PDC referee Huw Ware's podcast Tops and Tales, Dobey explained why he doesn't like playing against Damon Heta, who has an 8-0 winning record against the Geordie.
"My least favourite is [Damon] Heta because I’ve never beaten him!" he said. "I’ve gave him so many good games."
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Dobey added: "You know it’s in your head. Especially after when he comes over to you and says, ‘Oh, you still haven’t beat me’. I would say Damon Heta is the one because of the record.”
So far in his career, Heta has won two televised titles – the Brisbane Darts Masters and the World Cup of Darts– as well as eight non-televised PDC titles.
Back in October, Australia's number one was taking part in an Instagram Q&A session when he named Dobey as his favourite opponent.
Asked who his favourite player to play against was, Heta replied: “Dobey. Always have a great game and I’ve never lost. But I’m sure that will change.”
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Heta's admission came after he beat Dobey 8-4 in the final of Players Championship 4 to secure his first Pro Tour tile of 2024.
Topics: Darts, World Darts Championship
Jack Kenmare