Scott Williams dumped out former World Champion Rob Cross on another thrilling day of action at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, as Dave Chisnall also crashed out in the capital.
The final day of action before the Christmas break saw eight second round matches take place at Alexandra Palace, as a further three seeds were sent packing in north London.
Fifth seed Cross was beaten by his stablemate Williams in the evening’s finale, and his defeat ensures 14 seeds have departed the tournament– a new record at this stage of the World Darts Championship.
Cross – who lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy in 2017/18 – claimed a scrappy opening set, only for last year’s semi-finalist Williams to win the next three without reply to continue his Ally Pally love affair.
“It’s so tough, because Rob is one of my closest friends,” conceded Williams, who succumbed to Cross at the same stage of this tournament two years ago.
“Neither of us were great tonight, but Rob missed doubles and gave me a chance, so when you get given opportunities, you’ve got to take it.
“I’m always confident, regardless of who I’m playing, but I’m just looking forward to having Christmas with the family now.”
Day Nine also saw Ricky Evans and Jonny Clayton win through gripping sudden-death legs against Chisnall and Mickey Mansell to confirm their spots in the post-Christmas action.
Evans won through an Alexandra Palace thriller to topple sixth seed Chisnall, in a contest which saw both players squander match darts in the latter stages.
Leading 4-3 in the deciding set, Chisnall missed a match dart at tops and paid a heavy price, as Evans landed a skin-saving 110 checkout to preserve his hopes.
Chisnall then defied a remarkable miscount on a 139 checkout to force a sudden-death leg, although Kettering ace Evans held his nerve to advance to the third round for a second consecutive year.
“I would have been distraught if I lost that game, because I put so much into it,” admitted Evans, who also made the third round 12 months ago.
“I want to beat everyone. I don’t care who is in my way, if I play my game I’ve got a chance, and I have to believe this.
“It is lovely to be able to go home for Christmas with the family knowing that I’m coming back here. I cannot wait!”
Welsh number one Clayton also survived a match dart to edge out Grand Slam semi-finalist Mansell, who had kicked off an enthralling deciding set with successive 136 and 154 checkouts.
Two-time World Cup winner Clayton responded with a blistering three-leg burst of 15, 12 and 10-dart legs to regain control, before fending off a valiant Mansell to triumph in a marathon 73-minute affair.
“That was very emotional. That meant a lot to me,” reflected the world number seven, who will now play Daryl Gurney for a place in round four.
“I wouldn’t wish that pressure on my worst enemy, but I’ve got a smile on my face because I came out the winner!
“I know I have another few gears in the locker, but that was a test, to try and make me believe again!”
Gurney was another player to prevail in a compelling five-set encounter, after overturning a 2-1 deficit to edge out Germany’s Florian Hempel with a 98 average.
The Northern Irishman defied a blistering start from Hempel to level proceedings, and although Hempel regained the lead in set three, Gurney rattled off the next two to complete the comeback.
Gurney’s compatriot Josh Rock returned to winning ways with a straight-sets success against Rhys Griffin, defying a sluggish start to set up an intriguing clash against Chris Dobey.
Ricardo Pietreczko is the solitary German left standing in this year’s tournament, moving through to the last 32 with an impressive 3-1 victory over World Youth Champion Gian van Veen.
Andrew Gilding produced a terrific mid-match burst to defeat Grand Slam runner-up Martin Lukeman by the same scoreline, landing six 180s to move through to a contest with Nathan Aspinall.
Meanwhile, Krzysztof Ratajski overcame Asian Tour number one Alexis Toylo in a high-quality affair, and his reward will be a last 32 tussle against Michael Smith’s conqueror Kevin Doets.
Following a three-day Christmas break, the third and fourth rounds of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship will be held from December 27-30, with the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final taking place from January 1-3.
Click here for match stats & results.
2024/25 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Monday December 23
Afternoon Session
4x Second Round
Krzysztof Ratajski 3-1 Alexis Toylo (3-1, 3-2, 2-3, 3-1) (R2)
Andrew Gilding 3-1 Martin Lukeman (3-0, 0-3, 3-2, 3-2) R2)
Josh Rock 3-0 Rhys Griffin (3-0, 3-2, 3-0) (R2)
Jonny Clayton 3-2 Mickey Mansell (2-3, 3-0, 3-0, 1-3, 6-5) (R2)
Evening Session
4x Second Round
Ricardo Pietreczko 3-1 Gian van Veen (3-0, 1-3, 3-0, 3-1) (R2)
Daryl Gurney 3-2 Florian Hempel (1-3, 3-1, 0-3, 3-2, 3-1) (R2)
Ricky Evans 3-2 Dave Chisnall (1-3, 3-2, 3-1, 0-3, 6-5) (R2)
Scott Williams 3-1 Rob Cross (2-3, 3-2, 3-1, 3-2) (R2)