James Wilson denied gambled-on Krzysztof Ratajski in an enthralling 3-1 victory on day one of the PDC World Darts Championship.
Ratajski was backed into favouritism before the off and it looked well-placed money as he raced to the first leg in just 11 darts before taking the opening set with an average of just over 97.
That would prove to be as good as it got for the 40-year-old, however, as Wilson's heavier scoring proved decisive.
The Englishman took a tight second set by holding in the final leg, before breaking in the opening leg of the third set as he took control of the match, pressing on to take it 3-1.
The first whitewash of the championship came in the final game of day one as Gerwyn Price beat Ted Evetts 3-0.
Price hit four 180s and averaged 101.55 as he advanced to the second round for the first time in his career, sweeping aside his young, inexperienced opponent in a one-sided affair.
The 16th seed is drawn to be van Gerwen's third-round opponent and on this evidence would pose a challenge to any player, even one so impressive as the reigning champion.
Evetts struggled to match the relentless scoring of his opponent but did himself credit, hitting three doubles from just four attempts without ever threatening an upset.
Price is considered by some to be one of the dark horses at Alexandra Palace, despite the prospect of facing van Gerwen in the third round, and is .
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Thursday results (first round)
Friday December 15
Evening Session (7pm)
First Round (Best of 5)/Prelim (Best of 3)
TV Coverage: Sky Sports Arena
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