Bedlington behind Chris Dobey as he faces Michael van Gerwen in World Darts Championship semi-finals
A Northumberland darts player is gearing up for the biggest night of his life as he goes head to head with a former winner in the World Darts Championship semi-finals.
Chris Dobey, from Bedlington, faces Michael van Gerwen on Thursday night (2 January) after securing his place against Gerwyn Price.
It is the first time the 34-year-old has made it this far and, according to those who know him, it was an achievement well-deserved.
Allan Cunningham, manager at Bedlington Social Club, said: “[He's] all around just a really nice down-to-earth lad - gets along with everybody.
"Being a social club, we've got a range of members. He used to play with older people, young people. If anybody ever wanted a game he would play. He's just a really nice lad.”
Mr Cunningham said Dobey's talent was evident from the outset.
“I remember when he had normal jobs, he just used to come and play hoy on Monday night for the team, come in practice," he continued.
"He used to win all the time. He was first name on the team sheet. You could guarantee a win with him, a natural ability.”
In a remarkable turn of events, there was very nearly a Bedlington vs Bedlington derby in tonight's semis but the town's other star player, Callan Rydz, was knocked out in yesterday’s quarter-final match.
Despite this, the success of both players has been a huge boost for the town.
And now Bedlington Social Club are preparing to will their last man standing on from home.
"It means an awful lot, added Mr Cunningham. "Yesterday, we had it on all the tellies in the bar, and the place was jumping.
"Every time you had a double, there was a massive cheer. There was groans when he was missing. It just lights the place up - the atmosphere, everything.
"And I think everybody is just getting behind him. And it's great to see him doing so well.”
All eyes will be on Ally Pally at 7:30pm to see if the boy from Bedlington can go all the way to the final.
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