Chris Dobey ends Michael Smith's reign as world champion with stunning 4-0 victory

Michael Smith was brutally knocked out of the World Darts Championship on Friday night. The defending champion lost to Chris Dobey by a whopping 4-0 in sets at Alexandra Palace.

'Hollywood' had already impressed in recent days by beating William O'Connor and Ross Smith with strong play. Against Smith, Dobey again delivered a top performance with an average of 102.43 and a finishing percentage of 52 percent.

Dobey needed a 16-darter to win the first set 3-1. A 16 darter was all Dobey needed to win the first set 3-1. Then the Englishman could even afford an 18-darter to take the second set 3-2.

The third set then went 3-0 to the reigning Masters champion, who recorded a 100 finish and an 11-darter. Smith made a brief appearance with a 140 finish at the start of the fourth set, but had to take a rebreak right away after a 14-darter from Dobey. 'Hollywood' then came within one leg of victory by throwing a 12-darter. With another 12-darter, Dobey then finished it off in very fine fashion.