World number one Michael Smith crashes out of PDC World Championship in huge boost to Luke Littler

Reigning world darts champion Michael Smith has crashed out at Alexandra Palace after losing 4-0 against British rival Chris Dobey on Friday night.

The 33-year-old was a heavy favourite to follow Michael van Gerwen in booking his place in the PDC World Championship quarter-finals.

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Smith has crashed out of the World Championship at the last-16 stageCredit: Getty
But he failed to claim a single leg against ‘Hollywood’, despite averaging 102.47.

The world No.17 averaged a lower score of 102.43, but was more clinical on doubles – hitting 12/23 compared to Smith’s four from 12.

As a result of his defeat, Smith will now now fall down in the world rankings at the conclusion of the tournament.

His exit will be good news for teenage sensation Littler, with Dobey and the 16-year-old to potentially face in the semi-final.

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That is providing Littler triumphs over darts legend Raymond van Barneveld in their last-16 clash, before he and Dobey then win their respective quarter-final matches.

A jubilant Dobey acknowledged Smith’s missed throws in his interview with Sky Sports, where he said: “He missed a lot of doubles and let me in.

“I wasn’t feeling too good up here tonight, I was a bit nervy.

“Knocking out another good friend, but him being world No.1, world champion the occasion got to me a bit.

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Dobey won 4-0 against Smith to book his place in the quarter-finals at Ally PallyCredit: Getty
“I just had to keep my calm and battle through.

“He was banging in 180s early doors and I thought I have got to wake up. I think my doubling helped me.

“Like I said, he has battered me numerous times, it is just nice to get one back on me.

“I am not looking forward to the next time I play him, that is for sure.

“I wouldn’t have turned up here if I didn’t think I could win it.”