Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright stunned Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor to reach the semi-finals of the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters, while there were wins for Michael van Gerwen, Adrian Lewis and Dave Chisnall.
Wright, who has surged up the rankings to enter the tournament ranked No5, solidified his status as an elite-level player with a 10-5 victory over 16-time world champion Taylor.
The first ten legs were shared between the two, but a stunning 141 finish from Wright in the 11th – with Taylor waiting on a double – proved to be the crucial turning point.
Finishes of 96 and 70 moved Wright into an 8-5 lead before the 44-year-old Scot condemned Taylor to his second successive opening round defeat in Dubai.
"I'm delighted to get the win," admitted Wright. "I got a bit emotional on stage and it means a lot to beat Phil. "He's the best player who's ever lived and he always comes back stronger and stronger, which makes all of us lift our game again. He wasn't at his best tonight but I'm over the moon to beat him.”
Wright will face a fellow World Series of Darts newcomer in Dave Chisnall after the Englishman edged Australian Simon Whitlock in a thrilling 10-8 encounter.
In a high-scoring match, both players averaged over 100 per visit, with Whitlock hitting nine 180s and claiming finishes of 152 and 108 to build up leads of 5-2 and 7-5.
However, Chisnall hit three 11-dart finishes to level at 7-7 before claiming a 121 checkout on the bullseye in a run of three successive legs to secure victory.
"It's a great win for me and it was a good game," said Chisnall. "It's a pity there was a loser but I played quite well there and dug in. "Simon got into the lead at 5-2 but I thought I was still in the game and when I got a chance to hit back I took it well. I'm glad to come through it and I'm looking forward to the rest of the tournament on Friday."
Reigning champion van Gerwen booked his place in the final four with a narrow 10-9 win over James Wade.
Wade started superbly to establish 3-1 and 5-3 leads before van Gerwen struck back to claim five successive legs.
Wade responded to level at 8-8, but after van Gerwen hit double top to edge ahead, a 120-checkout from the Englishman sent the contest into a deciding leg. But it was Dutchman van Gerwen who prevailed with a 63 finish to progress to the semi-finals and set up a showdown with Lewis.
"It was a great game," said van Gerwen. "I think I was the most consistent player and that's why I came through it, but James is a fantastic player. "I was maybe trying a little too hard but I got the win and that's the most important thing. I had to fight very hard against him, and I want to play even better tomorrow.
"Adrian's always a big challenge and it's not easy to win this tournament. It's an amazing tournament and I'm really looking forward to Friday."
Meanwhile, World No3 Lewis kicked-off the event with a superb performance to defeat crowd favourite Raymond van Barevel 10-5.
"I really enjoyed that," said Lewis. "I knew it would be tough against Barney after winning the Premier League last week, but I had to hit him early and I did the job tonight.
"I finished well and double top didn't let me down tonight. If I can keep that up on Friday then there's no reason why I can't go all the way."
The Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters will be shown live on Dubai Sports TV as well as through OSN across the Middle East.
Tickets and Corporate Hospitality tables for the Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters can be purchase from Irish Village (+971 (0)4 239 5000) and Time Out Tickets (www.timeouttickets.com).
Coverage on each day will commence at 8pm (UAE time)
Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters Line-up
Friday May 30 (8pm-11pm)
Semi-Finals
Michael van Gerwen v Adrian Lewis
Peter Wright v Dave Chisnall
Best of 21 legs
Final
van Gerwen/Lewis v Wright/Chisnall
Best of 21 legs
