Ally Pally Shockwave Zonneveld and Gilding Topple Seeds

Day ten of the World Darts Championship delivered major upsets at London’s Alexandra Palace. Dutchman Niels Zonneveld stunned former world champion Michael Smith, while Andrew Gilding knocked out eighth seed Chris Dobey, as several seeded players exited in round two.

Zonneveld and Smith were inseparable through the opening two sets, but the match turned in the third when Smith missed a crucial set dart. Zonneveld kept his composure, finished clinically in the key moments and sealed a 3–1 victory. The Dutch star later described it as the most important win of his career.

Gilding followed with another high-quality performance, defeating Dobey 3–1 to record the biggest scalp of the day. He produced his highest average on the Alexandra Palace stage and held firm under pressure to close out an impressive win.

Fourth seed Stephen Bunting avoided an upset, cruising past India’s Nitin Kumar in straight sets with a composed and professional display. James Hurrell also enjoyed a breakthrough moment, edging past Dirk van Duijvenbode in a deciding set.

Ryan Searle was another standout performer, averaging close to 99 as he swept aside Brendan Dolan with authority. Germany’s Ricardo Pietreczko survived a five-set battle against Dave Chisnall to reach the last 32 for a third consecutive year.

With multiple seeds already eliminated, the championship picture is opening up. Defending champion Luke Littler and several former world champions are still to come, ensuring the drama and intensity at Alexandra Palace continue to build.