WILLIAMS DUMPS OUT CROSS AS A FURTHER THREE SEEDS EXIT AT ALLY PALLY

Scott Williams dumped out former World Champion Rob Cross on another thrilling day of action at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, as Dave Chisnall also crashed out in the capital.

The final day of action before the Christmas break saw eight second round matches take place at Alexandra Palace, as a further three seeds were sent packing in north London.

Fifth seed Cross was beaten by his stablemate Williams in the evening’s finale, and his defeat ensures 14 seeds have departed the tournament– a new record at this stage of the World Darts Championship.

Cross – who lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy in 2017/18 – claimed a scrappy opening set, only for last year’s semi-finalist Williams to win the next three without reply to continue his Ally Pally love-affair.

“It’s so tough, because Rob is one of my closest friends,” conceded Williams, who succumbed to Cross at the same stage of this tournament two years ago.

“Neither of us were great tonight, but Rob missed doubles and gave me a chance, so when you get given opportunities, you’ve got to take them.

“I’m always confident, regardless of who I’m playing, but I’m just looking forward to having Christmas with the family now.”

Day Nine also saw Ricky Evans and Jonny Clayton win through gripping sudden-death legs against Chisnall and Mickey Mansell to confirm their spots in the post-Christmas action.

Evans won through an Alexandra Palace thriller to topple sixth seed Chisnall, in a contest which saw both players squander match darts in the latter stages.

Leading 4-3 in the deciding set, Chisnall missed a match dart at tops and paid a heavy price, as Evans landed a skin-saving 110 checkout to preserve his hopes.

Chisnall then defied a remarkable miscount on a 139 checkout to force a sudden-death leg, although Kettering ace Evans held his nerve to advance to the third round for a second consecutive year.