THE FACTS
When is Rob Cross vs Chris Dobey taking place? Saturday 20th July, 2019
Where is Rob Cross vs Chris Dobey taking place? Winter Gardens, Blackpool
What channel is Rob Cross vs Chris Dobey on? Sky Sports Arena
Where can I stream Rob Cross vs Chris Dobey? Sky Sports subscribers can stream the match online via Sky Go
Where can I get tickets for Rob Cross vs Chris Dobey? Check https://www.pdc.tv/betfred-world-matchplay-tickets for ticket information
THE STATISTICS
All-time meetings: Rob Cross 3-1 Chris Dobey
Last meeting: Rob Cross 6-4 Chris Dobey
THE PLAYERS
ROB CROSS
- 2018 World Champion Rob Cross is appearing at the World Matchplay for the third time having lost in round two on each of his two previous appearances. In 2017 he was defeated by Adrian Lewis and last year he suffered a disappointing exit at the hands of Darren Webster.
- Back in March at the UK Open in Minehead he reached his first TV ranking final since winning the World Championship title in January 2018. His quest for a second major ranking title was thwarted by Nathan Aspinall.
- Cross had an excellent 2019 Premier League campaign where he eventually lost to Van Gerwen in the final, having also just lost out on claiming top spot to MVG in the league phase.
CHRIS DOBEY
- Chris Dobey is making his World Matchplay debut. His previous best performances in PDC major ranking tournaments have been quarter-final appearances at both the 2016 Grand Slam of Darts and the 2018 Players Championship Finals.
- Hollywood has made big strides up the rankings over the last couple of years and has recently broken into the top 32 for the first time in his career. He comes into the tournament with good confidence having recently reached his first European Tour final at the Danish Open.
- Dobey produced arguably his finest performance on the big TV stage when he lost 4-3 to Gary Anderson whilst averaging just under 101 in the last 16 at the World Championship last December.
THE PREDICTION
This should be a heavy-scoring, entertaining match between two players capable of hitting a high amount of 180s. Rob Cross has shown good consistency on the big stage this year and will fancy his chances of making the final having avoided Van Gerwen and Gary Anderson in the draw. Dobey certainly has talent and won’t be phased on his Matchplay debut. His time competing in the later stages of big tournaments may come, but not this time as Cross is tipped to win this encounter.
