Dobey's Dazzling Display Sets the Stage
The German Darts Championship is delivering drama in Hildesheim, and Chris Dobey is right at the heart of it. The Englishman wasn't just good on Saturday—he was jaw-droppingly precise, bulldozing Mickey Mansell 6-2 with a career-best 110.64 average that's rarely seen at this level. Only twice before has Dobey hit higher. What makes the performance even sweeter? He only missed one double all match, landing six out of seven, and notched not one, but two stunning 11-dart legs.
“I know how dangerous Mickey can be, so I couldn’t relax,” Dobey said. Really, though, it was Dobey commanding the game from the start. He’s been gaining momentum all season after tasting victory at a Players Championship event, and he’s now eyeing his first title on the European Tour. Everything about Dobey’s game on Saturday said he’s ready for a run deep into the tournament.
His next opponent? None other than German No. 1 Martin Schindler, who has the crowd on his side and a ton of pressure on his shoulders. Expect sparks to fly when these two meet—Dobey’s red-hot form versus Schindler’s determination to win on home soil.
Big Names and Tight Matches Light Up Hildesheim
The action didn’t stop with Dobey. Reigning champion Ricardo Pietreczko slipped back into the Hildesheim spotlight with a comfortable win, launching his title defense in style. But plenty of other contenders made big statements as well.
- Gian van Veen came out on top 6-3 over a battling Robert Owen.
- Andrew Gilding held off Ryan Joyce with the same scoreline, showing his consistency.
- Daryl Gurney didn’t give Stephen Burton much hope, dominating 6-1.
- Nick Kenny edged out Ross Smith 6-5 in a nail-biter that could have gone either way.
- Danny Noppert showed his class in a 6-4 win over Dirk van Duijvenbode.
- Ryan Searle overcame Jonny Clayton 6-4 in another hard-fought contest.
Sunday’s afternoon session is shaping up to be a cracker. On top of Schindler versus Dobey, there’s Dave Chisnall and Joe Cullen set for a showdown, Danny Noppert testing his skills against three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen, and Peter Wright—known for his wild hairstyles and wilder checkouts—going up against Gian van Veen.
As the field narrows, the intensity only ramps up. Fans will be keeping an eye on the stream across Viaplay, DAZN (for those tuning in from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland), PDCTV (everywhere else), and a host of bookmakers' services. By Sunday night, a new champion will lift the trophy—and pocket a tidy £30,000.