Defending champion James Wade went out at the first hurdle at the Sky Poker Grand Prix in Dublin following a 2-1 defeat by Tony Eccles.
Wade was on the brink of victory as he was just two darts away from a straight sets win in the opening game at the Citywest Hotel.
However, he failed to take his opportunity and Eccles, a qualifier, fought back and took out 125 to send the world number three on his way.
Eccles will now take on Mervyn King who also claimed a 2-1 win - over Wayne Jones.
King came from a set down and took advantage of a number of missed throws by Jones to land double eight and book his spot in the second round.
Raymond van Barneveld made a winning return to action.
'Barney' had two months away from the game after some disappointing results but claimed a 2-1 win over Alan Tabern.
Van Barneveld won the first set before Tabern levelled and sent the game into a decider where the pair traded the first two legs.
However, Tabern missed a bullseye for a 167 finish and his opponent landed a double five to move into a 2-1 lead.
Van Barneveld then hit a 127 checkout - finishing with a bullseye - to seal victory.
Veteran Dennis Priestley produced a 2-0 victory over Denis Ovens to move into the last 16 while Colin Lloyd progressed with a 2-1 win over Vincent van der Voort.
Elsewhere, Wayne Mardle overcame a strong start by newcomer Felix McBrearty to claim a 2-0 victory.
Kevin Painter beat Mark Dudbridge by the same scoreline
