Chris Dobey faces Dirk van Duijvenbode in World Matchplay opener

Chris Dobey will open his 2026 World Matchplay campaign against Dirk van Duijvenbode in Blackpool on Sunday. The Englishman, currently ranked 13th in the world, faces a formidable opponent in the Dutch veteran, who is making his fifth appearance at the prestigious tournament.

What’s at stake for Chris Dobey?

Dobey enters the tournament as one of the favorites to go deep, but van Duijvenbode’s experience in Blackpool could pose a significant challenge. The Dutchman has reached the latter stages of the event before and will be looking to upset the higher-ranked Englishman. A win for Dobey would set him up for a potential run to the later rounds, where he could face even tougher opposition.

Van Duijvenbode’s journey to the tournament

Van Duijvenbode has had a mixed season, struggling with injuries and inconsistent form earlier in the year. However, he managed to secure his place at the World Matchplay through the PDC Order of Merit, a testament to his resilience. The Dutchman has been open about the challenges of balancing his professional career with family life, recently sharing a candid post on social media about the difficulties of being away from his children.

What comes next?

The match between Dobey and van Duijvenbode is set to be a thrilling opener, with both players eager to make a statement. For Dobey, a strong performance could set the tone for the rest of the tournament, while van Duijvenbode will be looking to build on his recent form and make a deep run in Blackpool. The winner will advance to the next round, where they could face one of the tournament’s top seeds.