Glen Durrant, a former darts professional and current Sky Sports pundit, has playfully expressed his desire for Chris Dobey, his former rival and friend, not to win the upcoming Premier League of Darts. This lighthearted jab stems from their shared history of on-the-oche battles, most notably their encounter at the 2020 World Darts Championship where Durrant emerged victorious, eliminating Dobey in the fourth round. Despite their competitive past, the two players share a genuine friendship off the darts board, adding a layer of friendly rivalry to Durrant’s playful comments.
Durrant’s post on social media, stating, “So happy for @Dobey180….. I just hope and pray he doesn’t win it though !!”, encapsulates the nature of their relationship. This light-hearted banter likely plays on their regional rivalry as well; Durrant is a Middlesbrough football club supporter, while Dobey supports Newcastle United, adding a playful dimension to their darts competition.
Dobey’s inclusion in the Premier League of Darts is a testament to his impressive performance at the World Darts Championship, where he reached the semi-finals before being defeated by the eventual runner-up, Michael van Gerwen. This achievement solidified Dobey’s place among the elite players, earning him a spot in the prestigious Premier League. Durrant’s seemingly contradictory messages – expressing happiness for Dobey’s achievement while simultaneously hoping he doesn’t win – highlight the playful dynamic between the two. Their friendship transcends the competitive nature of professional darts.
Durrant’s retirement from professional darts in 2022 marked a transition in his career, moving from the oche to the punditry desk at Sky Sports. This new role allows him to maintain his connection to the sport and offer expert analysis, while also giving him the opportunity to comment on the performances of his former colleagues and rivals, including Dobey.
The Premier League of Darts promises to be a thrilling competition, featuring a lineup of top players, including Luke Humphries, Michael van Gerwen, Nathan Aspinall, Rob Cross, Gerwyn Price, Stephen Bunting, and the young prodigy, Luke Littler, who recently made history by becoming the youngest ever world champion at the age of 17. This diverse and talented field ensures a high level of competition, making the tournament a must-watch for darts enthusiasts.
Dobey’s journey in the Premier League will be closely watched, not least by Durrant, whose playful “hopes and prayers” against Dobey’s victory add an extra layer of interest to the competition. This friendly rivalry underscores the camaraderie within the darts community, where competition and friendship often coexist, creating an engaging and entertaining atmosphere for players and fans alike. The upcoming Premier League of Darts promises a compelling spectacle of skill, competition, and camaraderie.
