Defending champion Cullen dumped out at first hurdle by dazzling Dobey as Ross Smith completes Masters Last 16 line-up with Heta win

After a superb World Championship, Chris Dobey has continued his form onto the Masters stage to begin 2023 ending Joe Cullen's title defence at the very first hurdle in Milton Keynes.

Dobey sealed a 6-4 win with a 97 average. The highlight being a dazzling 125 checkout using bull, 25, bull to go 4-3 up and break throw.

Dobey went 5-3 up from there consolidating throw but Cullen saved his skin with a 108 checkout after Dobey missed a dart at bull for the match.

But it was just a consolation as Dobey finally got over the line after missing another match dart but Cullen couldn't hit 77 and Dobey sealed it. Next up is a top tie with Luke Humphries tomorrow.

While in a repeat of the European Championship final which was the penultimate tournament before Michael Smith finally got over the line in a major tournament, it is Ross Smith next up for the World Number One.

A top tie tomorrow evening but after the first leg, it wasn't 'Smudger' at his finest as he survived 'The Heat' in Damon Heta in a 6-5 win. He opened up with a 130 checkout but survived two match darts in a dramatic decider to see off Heta and keep his hopes alive this weekend.

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PDC Masters Ross Smith Chris Dobey

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