DAVE Chisnall became the highest-ranked player eliminated from the World Darts Championship so far when he lost to Dutchman Vincent van der Voort on Sunday, writes Andrew Simpson.

The eighth seed, quarter-finalist at last year’s edition, was out of sorts during a straight sets defeat at Alexandra Palace.

It is a blow to the St Helens star’s hopes of receiving an invite for the next Premier League campaign.

Chisnall only had six shots at a double in 13 legs played, and his opponent capitalised in the third set by claiming all three – including a fine 130 checkout – to put the seal on a victory that sets up a second-round date with Steve Beaton.

The speedy Dutchman hit six 180s and seven 140s to outdo the usually heavy-scoring 37-year-old.

Van der Voort finished sharply too, landing nine of 16 attempts at a double.

He was pushed by Chisnall to a deciding leg in each of the first two sets, only to prevail on each occasion.

It brings to an end a disappointing second-half of 2017 for the St Helens darter after failing to reach the latter stages at the Players’ Championship Finals, Grand Slam, European Championships or World Matchplay.

He is the second St Helens player to fall at the first hurdle following Stephen Bunting's loss to World Youth champion Dimitri van den Bergh on Friday.