Chris Dobey triumphed in Rotterdam on Night 11 of the Premier League, claiming his first nightly win in two years with a dominant 6-2 victory over Stephen Bunting. The win marked a significant moment in Dobey’s career, as he had not secured a nightly victory since the opening night of the 2023 season. His performance in Rotterdam showed that he was back to his best and was ready to fight for a spot among the Premier League’s elite players.
The night began with drama as Luke Littler’s hopes of setting a record for the most nightly wins in a single season were dashed. He had previously come close to achieving this feat, but on this occasion, Littler could not overcome Bunting in the semi-finals. Littler had been on the brink of making it through to the final, having edged out Rob Cross 6-5 in a tense opening match. However, his encounter with Bunting proved to be more challenging. After falling behind 3-2, Littler became frustrated when he spent time changing his barrels during the match, a move that did not help his cause. The Dutch crowd, known for their passionate support, voiced their displeasure, and Bunting capitalized on the situation, taking a 5-2 lead.
Littler fought back, drawing level at 5-5 in an exciting comeback that injected new life into the match. However, in the deciding leg, Littler missed a crucial double nine when attempting a 138 checkout, and Bunting made him pay, finishing the leg to advance to the final. Despite Littler’s strong finish, it was Bunting who emerged victorious, continuing his solid form and earning the chance to challenge Dobey in the final.
Dobey’s path to the final was much smoother, and he had looked in excellent form throughout the evening. He began his campaign with a 6-3 win over world No. 1 Luke Humphries, followed by a commanding 6-2 victory over Nathan Aspinall, the winner of the previous week’s tournament. Dobey’s consistent form and confidence led him into the final against Bunting, where he would prove too strong.
In the final, Dobey took control early, racing to a 4-1 lead. Bunting had several opportunities to fight back, particularly on double 19, but missed three times in quick succession, effectively sealing his fate. Dobey seized the opportunity and continued to dominate, ultimately clinching the win with a 6-2 scoreline. His performance was clinical and assured, and he appeared to be back to his best after a challenging period.
After the win, Dobey was full of praise for his own resilience and determination. “It feels great to be back in the winner’s circle,” Dobey said. “I knew I could do it. It’s about performing on the night and delivering three great performances. I’ve put myself back in the mix.”
The victory was significant for Dobey, who had been through a period of uncertainty and challenges in the Premier League. He reflected on his journey, stating, “I’m a fighter. I came through it. I’ve been in matches where I’ve been cruising and then ended up losing. It’s about getting myself back amongst the elite. I’m here to win, and I never gave myself any doubt. I’m a fighter and I’ll be here until the end.”
With the win, Dobey firmly placed himself back in contention for a top spot in the Premier League standings, reminding fans and competitors alike of his capabilities and hunger for success. His performance in Rotterdam served as a statement that he would not give up on his dream of becoming one of the league’s top contenders.
