Luke Littler was a surprise casualty in the first round of Players Championship 11.
The world champion and Premier League leader was beaten 6-3 by 22-year-old Irishman Dylan Slevin.
Littler averaged just 90.11 compared to his opponent’s 92.74 at the tournament in Leicester.
The 18-year-old was joined on the opening-round scrapheap by Michael van Gerwen.
Littler gestures to the Berlin crowd as jeers ring out after a visit of 26 in his match vs Chris Dobey in the Premier League
The three-time world champion lost out in a deciding leg to go down 6-5 to fellow Dutchman Maik Kuivenhoven.
Gerwyn Price also fell at the first hurdle, the Welshman bowing out 6-4 against countryman Rob Owen.
Meanwhile, Raymond van Barneveld lost a tight tussle 6-4 to PDC newcomer Tom Bissell.
Where does the Premier League head next?
Premier League Darts heads to Manchester for Night 10
The Premier League continues at the AO Arena, Manchester on Thursday, April 10 as home favourite Littler and Price clash in a titanic encounter, while Van Gerwen faces Chris Dobey. Watch Night 10 of Premier League Darts, in Manchester, live on Sky Sports Action from 7pm – stream with NOW.
Sky Sports will once again be the home of the Premier League in 2025, with every night exclusively live along with the World Matchplay, World Grand Prix, Grand Slam of Darts and more! Stream darts and more top sport with NOW
