CHRIS DOBEY has vowed to “be ready” to reach his first World Matchplay semi-final.

The Bedlington battler takes on Nathan Aspinall in a crunch last eight clash at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool tonight.

Dobey has already dumped out World No.1 and World Champion Michael Smith but knows he’s in for another tough task.

He said: “It was hard work to get this far. Michael is one of my best mates and it’s never going to be easy.

“I don’t think I was ever in the game early doors. I clawed my way back into it. Once I got in front I didn’t want to let him come back!

“I thought my finishing was pretty spectacular compared to what I’m used to.”

Since winning the Masters earlier this year, there’s little doubt that Dobey is a far stronger character to face. Now he’s got his sights set on an even bigger title.

He added: “I’ve said before. If my finishing is there, I know my scoring is there, then I’m going to be hard to beat.

“Everybody is there to be beaten. I’m just focusing on my next game. We know that everybody can beat each other. I will take it every game at a time.

“To be honest, 90 per cent of the lads on tour are all mates. You are there to do one job and that’s to win darts matches. You are friends off the board but I’ll be ready for Nathan!”

Story by Phil Lanning