CHRIS Dobey says the pressure will all be on defending champion Michael Smith in Friday night's mouthwatering last 16 clash at the World Darts Championships.

Dobey set up the meeting with the world number one with a statement performance and win over close friend and rival Ross Smith, averaging over a ton for the second successive game at this year's tournament.

The Bedlington thrower survived a bit of a scare on Thursday afternoon despite playing some blistering stuff at Alexandra Palace.

A back-and-forth contest that saw 27 maximums posted throughout started with Dobey taking the first set with a 116 checkout before continuing his ruthless run to clinch the second with an average of 122.

The world number 17 took the opening two legs in the third, but was unable to find the crucial doubles as Smith dragged himself back into the game to pull one back.

Smith drew level but another tight set saw Dobey edge ahead and he hit double 16 for the match to set up the meeting with the reigning world champion, which he'll approach with no fear.

"You have to be confident," he said.

"Playing like that, he won't want to play me in that kind of form. He's smashed me off the board, I've smashed him off the board. It's all about what happens on the day. Another performance like that and it will be a great game.

"I've got a good record, I think I've won four of the last five against Michael, that will be in his head. I'll be going in there confident. There's no pressure on me whatsoever, he's the world champion with all the pressure on his shoulders and I'm looking to dethrone him."

A win on Friday would secure a career-equalling best run at the World Championships for Dobey, who is looking to end a year that started with a first major victory at the Masters on a high.

He said: "I was so happy to get through that against Ross, he is not just a tough opponent but one of my best mates who I spend a lot of time with.

"I just battled and never gave up. That was a really hard game. Ross is so gracious in defeat, I love the lad to bits. We spend so much time together and it is hard to play mates like that but you just have to switch on, stay focused. We're there to earn a living."

Meanwhile, Stephen Bunting produced a stunning performance to beat Florian Hempel 4-0 and set up a fascinating last 16 clash with Michael van Gerwen.