Chris Dobey beats Jan Schmidt 5-2 to start Grand Slam campaign

Chris Dobey beat Jan Schmidt 5-2 in Wolverhampton to win the final match of day one at the Grand Slam of Darts.

The 14th seed won the first three legs and averaged 98.66 to Schmidt’s 78.73. That puts him in a strong position in Group N, where only the winner goes through.

Schmidt was making his Grand Slam debut. He missed chances early on and never recovered from the 3-0 start.

How Chris Dobey beat Jan Schmidt

Dobey was quickly into his stride and held throw in 13 darts in the opening leg.

The second leg was where the match turned. Schmidt missed four darts to level at 1-1, and Dobey made him pay with the break.

The former Masters champion then produced his best leg of the night, an 11-darter that put him 3-0 up.

Schmidt finally got on the board in the fourth leg, pinning double two. Dobey replied with a 16-darter to move within one leg of victory at 4-1.

Schmidt fights back but Dobey closes it out

The sixth leg gave the German a reprieve. Dobey missed three match darts, and Schmidt took the leg on double one to make it 4-2.

Dobey responded by winning the next leg to seal the match and finish off a long opening day in Wolverhampton.

Schmidt’s average of 78.73 tells the story. He missed four darts to level in the second leg and never got back on terms. Schmidt punished Dobey’s missed match darts in the sixth, but could not sustain a comeback.

What it means for Group N

The tournament has a new format this year. There are 16 groups of three, and only the group winner reaches the knockout stage, so every leg can matter.

Dobey’s next match is against Martin Schindler. Schmidt also plays Schindler, so he still has a route back into the group, but he will need to be far sharper on the doubles.

Dobey comes into the event in strong form on the floor, with three Players Championship titles in 2026 at PC3, PC9 and PC32.

Dobey is looking to turn his strong floor form into another televised title, having won the Masters in 2023. A comfortable opening win is the start he needed.

Schmidt still has a big month ahead. He is in the World Youth Championship final against Cam Crabtree in Minehead later this month.

Check the Grand Slam of Darts schedule and the Grand Slam of Darts groups for what comes next, and catch up on the rest of the day one action. For more darts coverage, visit our darts hub. Full results are on the PDC’s day one page.

Chris Dobey vs Jan Schmidt: FAQ

What was the score in Chris Dobey vs Jan Schmidt?
Dobey won 5-2.

What were the averages?
Dobey averaged 98.66 and Schmidt averaged 78.73.

Who is in Group N at the Grand Slam of Darts?
Chris Dobey, Martin Schindler and Jan Schmidt.

How many players qualify from each Grand Slam group?
One. There are 16 groups of three this year, and only the group winner reaches the last 16.

Who does Chris Dobey play next?
Martin Schindler, in Group N.

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