Chris Dobey is hoping to kick off 2024 in style at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, as he takes on Rob Cross for a place in the semi-finals at Alexandra Palace on January 1.
Dobey dethroned defending champion Michael Smith in emphatic style on Friday, producing a clinical display to progress to the quarter-finals for the second consecutive year.
Despite averaging 102, Smith struggled to establish a foothold against a dominant Dobey, who followed up a phenomenal first set by recovering from two legs down to double his lead on the reigning champion.
In both previous rounds, the world number one would go a set behind but manage to turn it around. However, Dobey was a different proposition, and a slow start for Smith meant it was a mountain too high to climb.
“I knew Michael was going to score strongly and early doors he was hitting so many 180s, I was thinking who’s going to get that Ballon d’Art now," joked Dobey, who pinned 52% of his attempts at double.
“Michael is a great lad. I’ve got all the time in the world for him. There could only be one winner and I’m just pleased it was my night.
“I didn’t even feel comfortable up there. My scoring was nowhere near its best, but Michael let me in on too many doubles and I punished him.”
“I would never have thought it was a 102 average. It felt like low 90s!”
Dobey will now face 2018 champion Rob Cross on New Year’s Day, after the world number eight swept aside Jonny Clayton in four straight sets.
It will be a repeat of last year’s round of 16 tie, where Dobey ran out a 4-2 winner with a 102 average.
The 33-year-old has enjoyed a year to remember since his quarter-final exploits 12 months ago, defeating Cross back in January to win the season-opening Masters - his first televised title.
Having also featured in a host of televised quarter-finals in 2023, a whitewash win over the reigning World Champion won't go unnoticed.
“I just want to go under the radar! I don’t care about being mentioned, but I’m really happy with the way I’m playing," insisted the Bedlington thrower, who is in confident mood ahead of his clash with Cross.
“I came into this tournament wanting to better what I did last year, and I’m one game away from doing it.
“Playing the best players in the world week in week out in the Premier League has worked wonders for my game.”
“I’m a better player all-round. I’m more consistent, and if I can put my floor game to where it should be, I will definitely be moving up towards the top eight and mixing it with the best.”
2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship
Monday January 1
Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)
2x Quarter-Finals
Chris Dobey v Rob Cross
Luke Littler v Brendan Dolan
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
2x Quarter-Finals
Michael van Gerwen v Scott Williams
Luke Humphries v Dave Chisnall
Best of Nine Sets