Classy Chris Dobey survives Alexander Merkx test at PDC World Darts Championship

Chris Dobey was in fine fettle as 'Hollywood' produced a 3-1 win to slay 'Alexander The Great' Alexander Merkx who played a fine match, but lost to the former major winner 3-1 in sets at the PDC World Darts Championship,

Merkx faced a tough task beforehand to take down the number 15 seed. Merkx had won 3-0 in sets against Stephen Burton in the first round, but posted an average of just 78. That needed at least 15 points to make it a fun match against 'Hollywood'. Merkx ended up with an average of over 90 this time, and did manage to pick up some legs.

In the first set, Dobey immediately took control with a 14-darter for a break. Merkx missed a chance to break back, before Dobey made it 2-0 with a 19-darter. Merkx closed to 2-1 with a 52 finish, before Dobey pulled the set away with a 69 finish.

Merkx then could not capitalize on his two small chances in the second set. In both the first leg and the second leg, Merkx got one arrow on a double, but both times missed the outer ring. Dobey did hit the double to make it 2-0. Dobey then pulled out the set 3-0 via an 87 finish.

However, the 30-year-old Dutchman then came on strong in the third set. He held with a 15-darter and then snatched the leg from Dobey by throwing out 68. With a 14-darter in the following leg, Merkx then won a set himself 3-0.

More seemed even possible when Merkx produced a 67 checkout to break Dobey even early in the fourth set. However, Merkx missed a chance to double the lead and Dobey immediately broke the tie with a 122 finish. In leg three, Merkx had another chance to break, but missed the double 18. Dobey came within one leg of victory with double 8 and he pulled the trigger with a 12-darter.