Premier League champion Gary Anderson became the first high-profile casualty at the Sky Bet Mobile World Matchplay after he suffered a shock 10-6 defeat to Andy Hamilton.
The 'Flying Scotsman' was brought back down to earth following an inspired display from Hamilton, who pulled off three 100-plus checkouts during the first round encounter.Hamilton, a semi-finalist at Winter Gardens back in 2006, started strongly and wiped out 130 before breaking Anderson to lead 3-2 at the first interval.
'The Hammer' held his next two throws despite huge pressure from Anderson, who hit five maximums in four legs before breaking back on double 16 to level at 5-5.
Memorable
The Scot edged 6-5 ahead on double top but a mesmerising 135 checkout from Hamilton had the crowd on their feet and pulled the scores level.While the 180s continued to flow for Anderson, so did the missed doubles, and Hamilton moved in effortlessly to take out double 16 and claim a 7-6 lead.
A third bull finish - this time taking out 122 - extended the Stoke thrower's lead and a nerveless 72 checkout sealed a memorable win.
Next up for Hamilton is a last 16 showdown with John Henderson after the Scottish debutant eliminated 2005 champion Colin Lloyd with a 10-7 victory.
Henderson scored heavily throughout an even match which began with a slick 128 checkout from Lloyd.
'Jaws', who has won only one match at the event since lifting the title six years ago, missed four darts at double top in the 15th leg and Henderson claimed a crucial break to edge 8-7 ahead.
'Hendo' followed that up with a stunning 10-dart leg and sealed victory on tops.
Former runner-up and local favourite Ronnie Baxter was also sent crashing out after a narrow 10-8 defeat to Denis Ovens.
Smooth
Ovens was unstoppable in the early stages, racing into a 6-1 lead before Baxter hit back to level at 7-7.A stunning 146 checkout from 'The Rocket' started the comeback, however the Blackpool thrower was made to pay for failing to hit a single number on numerous occasions and Ovens held his nerve to progress.
The final match of the night saw last year's semi-finalist Simon Whitlock overcome a spirited display from another Scotsman, Peter Wright, to progress 10-7.
The Wizard lost his opening throw but a smooth 108 finish put him back on track before Wright fired in a 123 checkout of his own.
Both players continued to relinquish their throw, however neither could open up a two-leg lead until the Aussie struck a decisive blow in the 16th leg before sealing a battling win on double 10.
Oh gary anderson what are you doing , you played fantastic in holland and then down the hill , had my money on you to win this , never mind with all that heavy scoring buddy you`ll be world champ before too long , just get practicing at those doubles and you`ll be the all round player , keep the chin up i`m completly behind you .
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