Hollywood Fever Sweeps Wigan
In a stunning display of skill, Chris Dobey dazzled the crowd in Wigan during the third Players Championship of the season. This victory marked his ninth career title and showcased his remarkable talent on a stage that resembled a Hollywood production.
Highlights of the Championship
Dobey dominated the final against Stephen Bunting, winning decisively with a score of 8-1. Bunting struggled to find his rhythm, while Dobey executed his game with impressive precision. Leading up to the final, Dobey’s path included several noteworthy matches:
- Quarter-Finals:
- Chris Dobey defeated Daryl Pilgrim 6-5
- Tom Bissell overcame Jim Long 6-4
- Stephen Bunting triumphed over Jonny Clayton 6-3
- James Wade bested Kevin Doets 6-4
- Semi-Finals:
- Chris Dobey defeated Tom Bissell 7-2
- Stephen Bunting edged James Wade 7-6
- Final: Chris Dobey 8, Stephen Bunting 1
Path to Victory
In the tournament’s earlier rounds, Dobey showcased his talent, starting with a convincing 6-1 win over Shane McGuirk. He then faced tougher challenges, including a dramatic last-leg victory against Daryl Pilgrim that echoed the thrill of a last-minute football goal. His consistent performance set the tone for a robust run up to the semi-finals.
Bunting, on the other hand, had to overcome significant hurdles to reach the final. In the semi-finals, he found himself trailing 6-2 against James Wade but rallied back to win 7-6, demonstrating great resilience. However, this comeback seemed to take a toll as he faced Dobey in the final.
Other Notable Performances
Jonny Clayton made an impressive showing in his first Players Championship of the season, reaching the quarter-finals before falling to Bunting. Additionally, triple WDF World Champion Beau Greaves continued to solidify her status with valuable prize money from her matches.
Canada’s Jim Long and Sweden’s Kevin Doets also reached the quarter-finals, showcasing their talent and competitiveness in this prestigious event.
Looking Ahead
With one event concluded, the Players Championship series continues to excite fans and players alike. The next tournament is scheduled for February 16, 2026, in Wigan. As the tungsten carousel spins onward, more thrilling matches await.
