Michael van Gerwen and Gerwyn Price are gone and now the next favourite for the World Matchplay has also joined them in the form of World Number One, Michael Smith.
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Chris Dobey is into the Quarter-Finals of the World Matchplay in Blackpool for the first time in his career on a night of shocks including Price's loss to Joe Cullen as well as Daryl Gurney producing a sublime display to dump out Gary Anderson.
It was a finishing masterclass from the Bedlington ace who produced 69% (11/16) on the outer ring, a 98 average, and two ton-plus checkouts with a high of 130 in an 11-7 win.
He recovered from a 3-0 deficit at the start of the match trailing 3-2 at the first interval with an 85 checkout on the bull which set the tone.
He stayed resolute and behind Smith as he squandered chances to make it 6-2 and Dobey was clinical with 72 and 130 back to back to make it 5-4.
He battled his way to parity at 5-5 and went on a run of seven legs on the spin with some exhibition finishing including 94 on two double 19's to go 9-5 up.
Smith stopped the rot with an 80 checkout, but all Dobey needed was to hold his throw and that he did as 'Hollywood' sealed the deal at 11-7.
The tournament will be broadcast in full on Sky Sports going between Action and Main Event.
From Saturday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 20, broadcasts will begin around 7 p.m. ET. In addition, on Sunday, July 16, there will be an afternoon session starting at 1 p.m. After the second round, the starting time of the evening sessions moves up one hour.
On Sunday afternoon, July 24, the second edition of the Women's World Matchplay is scheduled to begin at 1:00 pm. Here, eight ladies will compete for the title at the most important women's tournament in the PDC.
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How much prize money can be earned at the World Matchplay
After the World Darts Championship, the World Matchplay is the ranking tournament with the largest prize pool at the PDC. A total of 800,000 pounds of prize money is up for grabs at this event.
All 32 participants are guaranteed £10,000 in prize money. This could eventually add up to a check of as much as £200,000 for the darter who gets to lift the Phil Taylor Trophy on Sunday, July 23.
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DOBEY SENDS SMITH PACKING!
Chris Dobey clinches a remarkable 11-7 win over Michael Smith to send the world number one OUT of the World Matchplay!
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