Chris Dobey keen to make a name for himself by beating Phil Taylor in his final World Championship

Bedlington darts ace Chris Dobey admits it is a ‘big thing’ to be playing Phil Taylor in a World Championship but is motivated by the prospect of being ‘The Power’s’ final ever professional opponent.

Taylor, who has been crowned World Champion an incredible 16 times, will retire after this month’s World Championship, bringing the curtain down on a career that has spanned over 30 years.

‘The Power’ has won over 80 TV major titles during his illustrious career and won his first World title 27 years ago - four-and-half months before Dobey was born.

The pair meet for the first time on a televised stage this evening, and while Dobey is excited to play a ‘legend of the game’, he is determined to make a name for himself and become the final man to beat the most decorated player of all time.

“I was happy with the draw,” Dobey told ChronicleLive.

“I knew it was always going to be a tough one but with it being Phil’s last year, it’s nice to say you have played Phil in a World Championship.