CHRIS DOBEY believes the Betfred World Matchplay could see him break into the world's elite after effectively securing his Winter Gardens debut.
Having come within a win of his first PDC title in his first big-stage final at the Danish Darts Open last weekend, Dobey cemented his place among the 16 ProTour Qualifiers for July's Blackpool event.
Since reaching the quarter-finals of the 2018 Players Championship Finals, the Geordie has gone on to reach the Last 16 of the World Championship and make his Premier League debut in front of his hometown.
Following his latest success in Copenhagen, Dobey is now determined to continue his climb up the rankings with a strong showing at the World Matchplay.
"Blackpool could definitely be a breakthrough for me, if I do well there it could take me to the next level," said former Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist Dobey.
"It's the one tournament I've always wanted to play in so I'm really looking forward to it and I think the long format will suit me.
"After Copenhagen I was played with how I played over the weekend but I was straight back on the practice board on Monday.
"I went there to do the job of securing my place in the World Matchplay, which I did, and I also got a couple of monkeys off my back in beating Gerwyn Price and Ricky Evans for the first time.
"Unfortunately in the final I didn't give Dave [Chisnall] the game I should've done, but that's darts and I'll come back stronger and learn from that."
The Betfred World Matchplay will be held from July 20-28 at The Winter Gardens, Blackpool.
Broadcast live on Sky Sports, the tournament will see 32 players competing across nine days.