Geordie darts star Chris Dobey was given a rapturous reception on his homecoming night in the 2023 Premier League darts at Newcastle's Utilita Arena.
The 32-year-old Bedlington ace returned to play in the region for the first time since winning a major TV title on the Professional Darts Corporation circuit, winning the Masters in Milton Keynes back in January.
And the moment was marked in some style as he walked out to Newcastle United anthem 'Local Hero' in front of the raucous 8,000 strong home town support.
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Members of Newcastle supporter group Wor Flags put on a mini display to accompany his walk on and it was a special moment for the lifelong Magpies supporter.
Dobey tweeted this morning: "Wow, what a night. Newcastle you were amazing, just want to thank everyone for the support it was unreal, also massive thanks to Wor Flags for playing their part last night, [it] means a lot.
"[I am] not going to lie, I think the occasion got the better of me last night but I promise I’ll bounce back from this."
Dobey gave the home crowd something to shout about on the night as well as he beat reigning world champion Michael Smith 6-4 in the quarter-finals. However, he was beaten 6-4 by former world champion Gerwyn Price in the semi-finals and it was the Welshman who emerged victorious in the final, beating three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen 6-1 with a phenomenal 114.96 average.
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