Chris Dobey (Photo PDC)
Chris Dobey is brimming with confidence ahead of his World Matchplay return in Blackpool this weekend
Off the back of two ProTour titles in 2026, it has been a good year so far for Hollywood.
Since Dobey gained his Tour Card in 2015, he has played in the 2023 and 2025 Premier League campaigns after featuring as a contender in 2019 and challenger in 2020.
The 36-year-old’s first PDC final came in 2016, where he was beaten by Simon Whitlock in the final of Players Championship 19, but has since won 11 titles in the sport.
His most notable victory was his 2023 Masters victory in Milton Keynes, defeating Rob Cross 11-7 in the final to claim his first major title.
The Geordie will look to go beyond his best World Matchplay result of a quarter-final in 2023 as he returns to Blackpool for his seventh appearance.
He takes on Dirk van Duijvenbode in round one game, and the Bedforshire-born star assessed his chances in Blackpool after the draw was completed.
“I’ve played him numerous times now and we’re similar players – very big scorers and it’s all about the doubles on the day,” said Dobey.
“I’m playing some great stuff at the moment and it’s taking good performances to beat me, so I’m happy with my form going into the World.
“I feel confident that I can have a good run in Blackpool.”
Van Duijvenbode is known for his monstrous scoring and in particular his nine-darters, of which he hit an impressive tally of four on the tour in 2025.
The pair met in Leverkusen at the European Darts Open last weekend and the Dutchman emerged victorious, triumphing 6-2 after Dobey hit just 25% of his double attempts.
Although Van Duijvenbode is yet to win a title so far in 2026, he came close after finishing runner-up to a vintage Michael van Gerwen at Players Championship 15 in Leicester.
Dobey, meanwhile, is looking forward to his upcoming round one battle, eyeing a fourth successive win in his opening match at the iconic Winter Gardens.
“I’m looking forward to that one and I’ve got to knuckle down, get to work and brush our friendship aside,” said Dobey.
“It’s a great venue, the most iconic venue and it’s probably my favourite tournament.
“The fans are fantastic, respectful and a great crowd and it’s up there as one of the best events we have.”
Ratajski ready for World Matchplay test following Leverkusen success
Krzysztof Ratajski added a third European Tour title to his name in Leverkusen last weekend, as he overcame Jermaine Wattimena in the final with a solid display.
The Polish number one was delighted with his success in the European Darts Open, and revealed it was more than he had expected heading into Germany.
“I didn’t expect it. I would have been happy with the last eight or last four, so to win the title is more than I expected,” admitted Ratajski.
Ratajski – a former Gibraltar Darts Trophy and German Darts Open winner – kicked off his campaign with victory over German star Max Hopp, before dumping out world number three Gian van Veen in the last 16.
The former World Matchplay semi-finalist also accounted for reigning champion Nathan Aspinall before he saw off fellow countryman Sebastian Bialecki in the semi-finals.
“It was very difficult for me. I’m really happy. I don’t know what to say,” continued Ratajski,who averaged 100.40 in his comeback win over Bialecki.
“We played against each other one week ago and it was very close, 6-5 to me, and Sebastian showed on this stage many times how good he is.
“I expect many finals for him and many wins.”
Ratajski also reflected on his encounter with reigning European Champion Van Veen, with the pair set to go head-to-head in the opening round of the World Matchplay.
“I beat my opponent in Blackpool [Van Veen] but it’s a different tournament, a different day,” added Ratajski, a World Championship quarter-finalist in January.
“I will do my best in Blackpool. I hope I will play well and hopefully I can win that first match. We will see.”
The 49-year-old goes into this clash as the underdog, but is no stranger to a deep run at the Winter Gardens.
In 2021, he reached the semi-finals before succumbing to Dimitri Van den Bergh, dispatching Brendan Dolan, Luke Humphries and Callan Rydz along the way.
Yet, with another European Tour title under his belt, Poland’s premier player will be full of confidence ahead of his return to the seaside.
