Michael Smith's defence of his world title has come to an end after he was thrashed 4-0 by Chris Dobey in the World Championship last 16.
Dobey produced one of the performances of the tournament to see off Ross Smith in the previous round, but he eclipsed that with a commanding performance against Smith.
Despite Smith averaging over 107 in the opening set, Dobey established a lead, which was doubled, and Smith was on the ropes when the 17th seed took the third without reply.
In an outstanding fourth set, Smith averaged in excess of 108, but he had no answer as Dobey averaged an astonishing 118.8, ending with a checkout ratio of over 52% as he posted one of the victories of his career.
DOBEY DUMPS OUT THE CHAMP!
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) December 29, 2023
Michael Smith's reign as World Champion is over!
Chris Dobey wraps up a 4-0 win to reach the quarter-finals!
📺 https://t.co/f3RU9WTIoD#WCDarts | R4 pic.twitter.com/WwcKYrc3Il
In the preceding match, Michael van Gerwen cruised past Stephen Bunting as their highly-anticipated showdown proceeded to be somewhat of a damp squib.
While Bunting took each of the opening two sets to a deciding leg, Van Gerwen was imposing himself on the contest, and the following two sets were more comfortable.
Bunting posted just 15 scores of 140 or more - far below what was required in a match of this magnitude - and it allowed Van Gerwen to book his place in the last eight, as well as provisionally move back to world number one.
Earlier in the day, Damon Heta, Jonny Clayton, Raymond van Barneveld and Gary Anderson all secured places in the fourth round.
Van Barneveld was able to set up a showdown with 16-year-old Luke Littler on Saturday evening courtesy of defeating Jim Williams by a 4-1 scoreline.
