Zonneveld Claims Biggest Win of His Career as Smith and Dobey Exit World Championship

Niels Zonneveld described his victory over Michael Smith as the “biggest win of my life” after stunning the former World Champion on Day Ten of the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, while Andrew Gilding produced an inspired display to eliminate eighth seed Chris Dobey.

Round two got underway on Saturday at Alexandra Palace with a bumper double session, and it proved to be a brutal day for the seeds, as four more fancied names bowed out of the tournament.

Zonneveld stuns former champion Smith

Michael Smith became the second former World Champion to suffer an early exit at this year’s event, after falling to a composed and clinical performance from Dutchman Zonneveld.

The opening two sets were evenly matched, with both players producing high-quality darts. However, the turning point arrived in the third set when Smith missed a crucial dart at tops, allowing Zonneveld to seize control.

The 26-year-old held his nerve superbly, moving 2-1 ahead before producing back-to-back finishes of 70 and 74. A superb 12-dart hold followed, sealing a landmark victory and sparking emotional celebrations on the Ally Pally stage.

“This means everything to me,” said Zonneveld afterwards. “This is a massive step towards breaking into the top 32 in the world.

“I honestly think this is the biggest victory of my career. I needed a moment like this, and now I’m going to enjoy Christmas with my family before looking ahead to the next challenge.”

Zonneveld will now face world number five Jonny Clayton for a place in the last 16.

Gilding dumps out Dobey in impressive display

Chris Dobey followed Smith out of the competition, becoming the highest-ranked player to exit so far after Andrew Gilding produced his best-ever performance on the Alexandra Palace stage.

Gilding recovered from losing the opening set and turned the contest on its head with a crucial ten-dart leg to claim the third. Despite Dobey landing a sensational 167 checkout early in the fourth set, Gilding remained unflustered and closed out a deserved 3-1 victory.

“I’m a bit surprised, if I’m honest,” admitted Gilding. “Chris is one of the best players in the world, so to play like that is very pleasing.

“I’m feeling confident, but after Christmas dinner you never quite know what form you’re going to come back in!”

Bunting cruises into round three

There were no such shocks for fourth seed Stephen Bunting, who delivered a dominant straight-sets win over Indian trailblazer Nitin Kumar.

Kumar was unable to replicate the form that saw him cause an upset in round one, and Bunting took full advantage with a professional display, converting 53% of his chances at doubles. The former Masters champion also produced finishes of 118 and 107 during a commanding opening set.

“I felt really comfortable up there,” said Bunting. “I know how good Nitin can be, and he’s a fantastic ambassador for darts.

“I’m delighted with the win, and now I can relax and enjoy Christmas.”

Bunting will now meet James Hurrell for a place in the quarter-finals.

Hurrell shocks Van Duijvenbode

Hurrell booked his place in round three with a dramatic deciding-set victory over Dirk van Duijvenbode. After a slow start, the Englishman found his rhythm, firing in ten maximums and producing a stunning 132 checkout to record one of the biggest wins of his career.

Searle impresses in straight-sets win

Ryan Searle was among the standout performers of the day, averaging just under 99 and landing an impressive 64% of his doubles in a convincing 3-0 victory over Brendan Dolan.

The 38-year-old looked on course to post one of the highest averages of the tournament before riding out a brief Dolan revival in the third set to complete a comprehensive win.

Pietreczko and Harrysson progress

German number two Ricardo Pietreczko also advanced, surviving a dramatic five-set battle against Dave Chisnall. Pietreczko led 2-0 before being dragged into a decider, where he showed remarkable composure after surviving a match dart to win three straight legs and reach the last 32 for the third year running.

Andreas Harrysson continued his impressive debut campaign with a straight-sets victory over crowd favourite Motomu Sakai. The Swede impressed throughout, landing a superb 141 checkout in the opening set and punishing missed opportunities to move into the post-Christmas rounds.

Championship continues on Sunday

The 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship resumes on Sunday, with reigning champion Luke Littler returning to the Alexandra Palace stage to continue his title defence against David Davies.

Former champions Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross are also in action, alongside German number one Martin Schindler and Australia’s top-ranked player Damon Heta.

Zonneveld Claims Biggest Win of His Career as Smith and Dobey Exit World Championship

2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship

Saturday December 20

Afternoon Session

Round Two x4

Ryan Searle 3-0 Brendan Dolan (3-1, 3-0, 3-1)

Andreas Harrysson 3-0 Motomu Sakai (3-2, 3-1, 3-2)

James Hurrell 3-2 Dirk van Duijvenbode (1-3, 3-0, 3-1, 1-3, 3-1)

Ricardo Pietreczko 3-2 Dave Chisnall (3-1, 3-1, 1-3, 0-3, 4-2)

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Round Two x4

Niels Zonneveld 3-1 Michael Smith (3-1, 1-3, 3-2, 3-0)

Andrew Gilding 3-1 Chris Dobey (2-3, 3-0, 3-1, 3-2)

Stephen Bunting 3-0 Nitin Kumar (3-1, 3-0, 3-1)

Jonny Clayton Bye (Dom Taylor suspended)

NB: Jonny Clayton receives a Bye through to round three following the suspension of Dom Taylor.

Sunday December 21

Afternoon Session (1230 GMT)

Round Two x4

Ryan Joyce v Krzysztof Ratajski

Joe Cullen v Mensur Suljovic

Luke Woodhouse v Max Hopp

Rob Cross v Ian White

Evening Session (1900 GMT)

Round Two x4

Martin Schindler v Keane Barry

Gerwyn Price v Wesley Plaisier

Luke Littler v David Davies

Damon Heta v Stefan Bellmont