James Wade inflicted a first-ever Premier League defeat on Phil Taylor in the opening round in Glasgow.
The pair were evenly matched after six legs before Wade opened up a 5-3 lead, but 'The Power' hit back to level the contest once more at 5-5.
Wade edged ahead again at 7-6 and had the chance to win the match on his own throw. And, after Taylor failed with a 64 checkout, he sealed the victory with a double 10 to take the tie 8-6.
World number one Raymond van Barneveld began his campaign with an 8-4 win over Wayne Mardle.
Mardle dominated early on but the Dutchman managed to peg him back to 3-3, and Van Barneveld then stormed to five of the remaining six sets to claim a comprehensive victory.
Adrian Lewis claimed the first seven legs in his match with Terry Jenkins but was then forced to fend off a stirring fightback to eventually prevail 8-5.
'I was thinking at one stage about getting the 8-0 win and putting myself top of the league but Terry came back with some brilliant finishes,' Lewis said.
'People don't realise the pressure when you have one dart to save the match, and he did it for four or five legs on the trot.'
World champions John Part drew a thrilling opening match with Peter Manley 7-7.
