WORLD CHAMPION Adrian Lewis crashed out of the PartyPoker.com World Grand Prix as John Part produced a remarkable comeback on Monday night, as James Wade opened the defence of his title in confident mood at Dublin's New Citywest Convention Centre.Lewis looked set to coast to victory when he won the game's opening five legs to win the first set and move to the brink of a place in the last 16 in the double-start tournament.
But missed doubles gave Part his chance, and the Canadian took the next three legs to level the game, before winning the decider 3-1 to send Lewis - last year's runner-up - out of the tournament.
Meanwhile, James Wade swept aside the challenge of Steve Brown with a 2-0 victory, winning six successive legs after the Bristol ace had taken the game's opener.
Two-time World Grand Prix finalist Raymond van Barneveld defeated Mervyn King in straight sets, with a 100 checkout to edge the opening set proving crucial as he moved into the last 16.
Van Barneveld will take on Andy Smith in the second round, after the Englishman defeated Ireland's William O'Connor 2-0 in their contest.
Vincent van der Voort joined fellow Dutchman van Barneveld in the last 16 with his first-ever victory in the World Grand Prix, putting behind him four previous first round losses with a 2-0 defeat of Kevin Painter.
Van der Voort took the game's opening five legs before Painter rallied briefly, and went on to secure the win to set up a clash with Wade.
Northern Ireland's Brendan Dolan will now take on Part after defeating Wayne Jones 2-0, while Wes Newton and John Henderson were the opening night's other winners.
Scotland's Henderson saw off fellow World Grand Prix debutant Justin Pipe 3-2, 3-2 to take a straight sets victory, while Newton impressed with a 2-1 defeat of 2004 champion Colin Lloyd.
Lloyd won the game's first set, but Newton roared back to win six straight legs and averaged a fine 95 in the double-start format to move into the last 16.
The first round continues with the remaining eight games on Tuesday night from 7pm, including nine-time champion Phil Taylor's opener against Peter Wright.
Premier League Darts champion Gary Anderson faces resurgent Welshman Richie Burnett, Simon Whitlock plays Terry Jenkins, Ronnie Baxter meets Paul Nicholson and Mark Webster takes on Andy Hamilton.
Debutants Mark Hylton and Dave Chisnall face Mark Walsh and Alan Tabern respectively, while Jamie Caven and Denis Ovens will open the night's games at the New Citywest Convention Centre.
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