Jeffrey De Graaf has already stunned seed Gary Anderson, and has the chance to do the same to Michael Van Gerwen.
De Graaf wiped out former two-time world champion Anderson in his opening match, producing a stunning display to oust the out-of-sorts legend 3-0 on his 54th birthday.
PDCDe Graaf has given himself a giant-killing reputation this tournament[/caption]
He booked his place in the third round where he came up against Paolo Nebrida, and although not at his best he edged through again.
The Swede picked up a 4-1 victory against the last Asian player left in the tournament, and was even two-darts away from a nine-dart finish in the final leg.
It seemed unclear exactly who will stop the surprise package continuing his Ally Pally journey, but he will now face formidable opposition.
The giant-killer next takes on Van Gerwen, who hasn’t yet been at his vintage best, but progressed through to the tie by beating Brendan Dolan 4-2.
And when reflecting on his chances of another upset against the ex-three-time world champion, he realises it will be an uphill battle.
He told talkSPORT in an exclusive interview: “I don’t know I am playing a lot better than when we last played this year.
“It was the first game with him and I didn’t really show up that day. But I’m in the tournament.
“I feel like I’m playing decent, I feel like I can give him a game but it’s going to be tough it’s Michael.”
When asked about the pressure being on Van Gerwen’s shoulders in the same fashion as Anderson he added: “That’s because he didn’t show up.
“I showed up every first leg in Gary and he just didn’t finish his chances.
“It will be tough but it is about belief against these guys. I hope so [a victory].”
De Graaf has now surpassed his finish in last year’s PDC World Championship, where he reached the fourth round but was knocked out.
A record-breaking 14 seeds tumbled out of the competition before Christmas, and the likes of De Graaf will fancy their chances of a deep run this year.
As for Van Gerwen, he wasn’t entirely impressed with his performance against Dolan last night.
He came across visibly frustrated at the oche during periods, despite thrilling at points including averaging a huge 118.7 in the fourth set.
And he gave himself a brutal assessment when asked to sum up his display.
PDCVan Gerwen awaits after his own 4-2 win[/caption]
He told talkSPORT: “After the fourth set, it wasn’t the best.
“But luckily I had the right throws in the right moments, although I made it difficult.
“Luckily in darts that happens, but I was pleased with that double 8 at the end.
“But I was impressed with my will to win and my fighting mentality.
“We all know I’m going through a bad patch in my career, but I’m trying to keep going.
“I know I can do it if I keep fighting and believing in my own ability and everything is possible.”
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