Chris Dobey vs Dirk van Duijvenbode Preview & Prediction | 2026 World Matchplay | First Round

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Chris Dobey and Dirk van Duijvenbode meet for the second week running as the first round of the 2026 World Matchplay continues.

Start date/time: 19 July 2026 at 1:00 pm

How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – ESPN

How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – ESPN+

Chris Dobey vs Dirk van Duijvenbode prediction

There have been plenty of positives in 2026 for Chris Dobey, who has been one of the top performers on the Players Championship circuit having won two of those events, while he also reached the quarter-finals of the World Masters - a tournament he had previously won in 2023.

A World Matchplay quarter-finalist three years ago, Dobey has otherwise underperformed at Winter Gardens but will be feeling good about his game after some positive results over the past few months.

There is a psychological advantage for Dirk van Duijvenbode though, given that the Dutchman defeated Dobey 6-2 in the second round of the European Darts Open just last week.

Van Duijvenbode went on to reach the quarter-finals of that event in Leverkusen, but he has generally struggled to show his best darts in the biggest events over the past year or so.

Revenge will be on Dobey's mind in Blackpool, and we fancy him to get the job done.

Chris Dobey vs Dirk van Duijvenbode tip: Chris Dobey to win