IT was a bad night for St Helens at the World Darts Championship with champion Michael Smith and Stephen Bunting both knocked out.

Neither of the St Helens pair won a set, with Chris Dobey stunning Smith with straight-sets victory and Michael van Gerwen powering past Bunting to the quarter-finals.

A bumper 12th day of action at Alexandra Palace saw a quartet of PDC World Champions in action, as Smith’s hopes of defending the Sid Waddell Trophy were dashed by a dazzling Dobey.

The 2023 Masters champion posted a third consecutive ton-plus average to continue his own pursuit of the Sid Waddell Trophy, defying a 102 average from Smith to book his place in the quarter-finals on New Year’s Day.

Dobey signalled his intent with a stunning 130 checkout to kick off proceedings, and after wrapping up set one, he doubled his lead after Smith missed a dart at tops to level the contest.

The Bedlington star then moved a set away from glory with clinical 100 and 87 combinations, before Smith struck back with a magnificent 140 finish to open set four.

However, Dobey was unfazed, following up a 14-dart break with back-to-back 12-darters to cap off another imperious display - which also ends Smith's 12-month reign as world number one on the PDC Order of Merit.

“I didn’t even feel comfortable up there tonight,” claimed Dobey, despite averaging 102 and producing a trio of ton-plus checkouts.

“Michael is a great lad. I’ve got all the time in the world for him, but there could only be one winner and I’m pleased it was my night.

“I don’t think anybody underestimates me; they know what I can do. I’ve been pretty consistent in this competition, and I’m going all out. I want to be the champion.”

Friday's play in the sport's showpiece event saw four last 32 ties and two last 16 encounters take place in the capital, with Van Gerwen also breezing through to Monday's quarter-finals with a whitewash win, seeing off Stephen Bunting.

St Helens Star:

Bunting had produced a brace of ton-topping averages to reach the last 16, but was blown away by a merciless Van Gerwen, who has progressed to the last eight without conceding a set.

The opening nine legs of the contest went with throw, but Van Gerwen struck the first decisive blow with a 14-dart break of throw to establish a two-set lead.

Bunting – who landed a 138 finish in set one – attempted to hit back with a 125 outshot midway through set three, although Van Gerwen refused to relent, sealing his progress with ominous ease.

“I’m happy with my performance,” declared the Dutch supremo, who averaged 99, landed nine 180s and pinned 44% of his attempts at double.

“We all know Stephen Bunting was playing phenomenal darts, so I wanted to bring my A-game. I wasn’t at my best, but I think in patches I did the right things at the right moments.

“I can do a lot better, but there’s still a long way to go. The fighting spirit is there, and I’m feeling good, I’m feeling comfortable.”

It means that St Helens' last hopes rest on the shoulders of Dave Chisnall who plays Daryl Gurney tomorrow.

2023/24 Paddy Power World Darts Championship.

Friday December 29.

Damon Heta 4-3 Berry van Peer (0-3, 2-3, 3-0, 3-2, 3-1, 1-3, 3-1) (R3).

Jonny Clayton 4-2 Krzysztof Ratajski (3-1, 3-2, 0-3, 3-1, 1-3, 3-1) (R3).

Raymond van Barneveld 4-1 Jim Williams (3-2, 2-3, 3-0, 3-0, 3-2) (R3).

Gary Anderson 4-1 Boris Krcmar (2-3, 3-1, 3-2, 3-1, 3-0) (R3).

Michael van Gerwen 4-0 Stephen Bunting (3-2, 3-2, 3-1, 3-1) (R4).

Chris Dobey 4-0 Michael Smith (3-1, 3-2, 3-0, 3-1) (R4).

Saturday December 30.

Afternoon Session (1230 GMT).

3x Fourth Round.

Scott Williams v Damon Heta.

Daryl Gurney v Dave Chisnall.

Rob Cross v Jonny Clayton.

Evening Session (1930 GMT).

3x Fourth Round.

Brendan Dolan v Gary Anderson .

Raymond van Barneveld v Luke Littler.

Luke Humphries v Joe Cullen.