The third round of the PDC World Championship begins on Friday afternoon with just a quarter of the starting field still remaining in the tournament.
With Phil Taylor suffering a surprise defeat in the last 32 to Michael Smith, the competition has been blown wide open, and a number of names will fancy their chances of getting their hands on the Sid Waddell Trophy.
Below, Sports Mole takes a look at the third round at Alexandra Palace, as 16 players look to book their places in the latter stages of the competition.
Can Adrian Lewis and Michael van Gerwen come through last-16 encounters?
Taylor's defeat immediately saw Adrian Lewis's and Michael van Gerwen's tournament odds drop, and all eyes will be on the young duo to see if they can reach the New Year's Day showpiece in North London.
Lewis was efficient during his opening-round display, but the Stoke-on-Trent went through the gears against Vincent van der Voort, averaging in excess of 103 as he easily withstood an equally impressive performance from the Dutchman.
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The 28-year-old will now come up against Mervyn King, who came through a pacey encounter with Ricky Evans in the last 32, and Lewis can't afford any kind of lull if he wants to keep his hopes of winning a third world title alive.
After coasting through his first match, Van Gerwen was forced to improve against a determined Kevin McDine, and despite the North-East thrower taking the second set, the Premier League titlist had more than enough to come through 4-1.
However, Van Gerwen faces a different proposition in the third round in the way of Gary Anderson, who has breezed past Mark Dudbridge and Brendan Dolan thanks to his form on the doubles, rather than his trademark 180s.
The speed of this match will suit both players and while Van Gerwen is favourite, Anderson has the tools to push the 'Green Machine' all the way in their tussle on Saturday afternoon.
Can Michael Smith cause another surprise?
When Michael Smith hit the bullseye to complete a 128 checkout against Phil Taylor to defeat the 16-time world champion, it was considered one of sport's greatest shocks.
That's probably doing a disservice to the natural ability of the 23-year-old, who has been tipped to go to the very top of the sport, but his success over Taylor is in the past and his encounter with Peter Wright will be a different type of affair.
Smith played under little pressure against Taylor, but the eyes of the darting fraternity will be focused on his follow-up display against Wright, who has been tipped to make a run to the final.
Wright wasn't at his best in his last-32 encounter with Per Laursen, but his confidence on television is continuing to grow, and his experience over the youngster might be the telling factor when the match enters its critical stages.
Could there be a surprise finalist?
The exits of Taylor, Andy Hamilton and Kim Huybrechts have resulted in the increased possibility of an outsider taking their place in the World Championship final on New Year's Day.
The pressure has been put on Simon Whitlock's shoulders to justify his seeding position of four, but the Australian has a tough assignment in trying to progress past Kevin Painter, who has been faultless in his first two matches.
The game between Wes Newton and Robert Thornton is likely to attract a lot of interest, with both men looking for a positive result that could swing a Premier League place in their direction.
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Newton hasn't been at his best so far, but he has the ability to produce a clinical performance, while Thornton was suffering the effects of a virus last weekend, and it remains to be seen how he will return after the Christmas break.
Former Lakeside winner Richie Burnett is another who has proven his credentials in overcoming Dean Winstanley and Andy Hamilton, and the Welshman will be difficult to beat if he continues to play his 'A' game.
Both he and opponent Ian White will view their match as the perfect opportunity to move up the PDC Order of Merit, and with Whitlock or Painter waiting in the quarter-finals, one of the last-four places could have their name on it.
Darren Plant
