CHRIS Dobey says he wants to cement his place in the world's top 16 after winning on the floor for the first time this year.

The 33-year-old from Bedlington hit a nine-darter - one of three on a remarkable day of darts - on his way to winning Players Championship 7 in Leicester on Monday.

Dobey landed a spectacular 170 checkout to triumph in a second round decider and then went on to register the second highest average of his career in the semi-finals - before overcoming Josh Rock 8-4 in the final.

Dobey eased past Vincent van der Voort in his opener, before surviving match darts to end Mike De Decker’s hopes in an astonishing decider – sealing victory with the big fish finish.

The Newcastle United supporter then achieved perfection during his third round demolition of Mickey Mansell, before averaging 106.71 to deny a superb Kim Huybrechts in a high-quality last 16 tussle.

In the quarter-finals, Dobey accounted for Daryl Gurney – who also landed a nine-darter earlier in the day – and a stunning 109.63 average propelled him to a 7-3 success against Ross Smith in the last four.

This set up a showdown against former World Youth Champion Rock, who made a bright start to establish a 3-1 cushion, despite a 108 checkout from Dobey in leg two.

However, the former Masters champion came roaring back to pocket the £15,000 top prize, winning seven of the last eight legs to secure his third Players Championship crown.

“I gave myself one task this year, which was to improve my floor game,” said Dobey, a runner-up at Players Championship 4 in February.

“I think I’ve done that so far [this year]. I’m playing well, I’m going into games feeling confident, and if you’re confident, you can go a long way.

“I’ve just plodded on. The first game against Vincent was a struggle, but after that I played consistently well, and I’m delighted to come out the winner.

“I finally broke into the top 16 after the World Championship and the aim is to stay there now. The hard work starts now, so dedication is the key.”