Michael van Gerwen beat unseeded Callan Rydes in a stunning last-eight tie to set up a semi-final upset against Chris Doby.
Third seed Van Gerwen’s last world title came in 2019 but he held off big-scoring Rydz in impressive fashion to win 5-3 and move a step closer to a fourth world title.
Meanwhile, Dubey came from two sets down to beat former champion Gerwyn Price 5-3 to reach the last four for the first time.
In a match of the highest quality, van Gerwen went ahead twice but each time Rydes – who scored 17 for 180 in the match – fought back to level.
The Dutchman swept two sets 4-2 but Rydz outlasted him before winning by an average of 103.1.
Rydz finished with an average of 103.88 and hit 46.15% in doubles but it wasn’t enough against an inspired van Gerwen, who was on 44.74% at checkout.
From the fifth set, no player averaged below 103.59 and ‘Mighty Mike’ missed the seventh set despite averaging 111.67.
“It always gives you great pleasure to be a part of games like this. It’s probably one of my best performances in a long time,” Van Gerwen told Sky Sports.
“He gave everything and put pressure on me constantly. He never stopped hitting trebles and never gave up. My game is in a good place, but it doesn’t mean anything right now.”
Dubey, who had lost in the last eight in the last two years, held firm after winning four sets on the bounce from Wales’ 2021 winner Pryce and had five darts to win 5-2.
The Englishman’s failure to finish brought back memories of last year’s quarter-final loss to Rob Cross, when he surrendered a 4-0 lead.
However, a break allowed Dubey to regroup and ensure there would be no repeat of the collapse, sealing victory with a stunning double-double finish in the 18s.
“I’ve never been as nervous for a winning double as I am today,” Dube said. “I’m glad I grinded it out and won.”