CHRIS DOBEY reflected on his incredible Premier League debut which saw him earn a 6-6 draw with Mensur Suljovic in front of a passionate home crowd in Newcastle on Thursday.
Newcastle United fan Dobey received a spine-tingling reception as he walked out to Newcastle anthem 'Local Hero' before setting the stage alight as he raced into a 5-1 lead, including a 113 finish in leg one.
World Matchplay finalist Suljovic battled back, winning five successive legs to go within a leg of victory, however Dobey found a crucial last dart double 16 to ensure the roller-coaster contest would end in a tie.
"It was a dream come true I felt like Alan Shearer when I walked out!" said Dobey, who was the first of nine Contenders to take part in the new-look 2019 Premier League season.
"What a feeling it was playing in front of my home crowd, it was the best feeling I've ever experienced and I loved every minute up there.
"If it wasn't for the fans spurring me on I could've easily thrown that one away and it was a great feeling to get the draw in the end.
"At 5-1 up I probably should've gone on to win it but Mensur is Mensur and he came back fighting so fair play to him, we had a decent game.
"This was an amazing opportunity and now I want more of this, which means putting the hard work in on the ProTour and hopefully more chances will come for me in the future."
WHAT A REACTION | The first of our nine contenders! The local hero Chris Dobey takes to the stage! ?#Unibet180 pic.twitter.com/AKXoq5jEWE
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 7, 2019
Dobey's attention will now turn to Wigan as the first ProTour of the year sees Players Championships 1 and 2 take place this weekend.
Catch the action live on PDCTV-HD from 12:00 GMT on both Saturday and Sunday.