Reigning champion Luke Humphries was incensed with a whistling fan as he crashed out of his World Matchplay opener.
The world number one's title defence ended abruptly at Blackpool's Winter Gardens on Saturday evening, with the 30-year-old particularly incensed by a whistling fan during the contest.
Humphries displayed his irritation towards the so-called 'Blackpool Blower' at the halfway point of the match. After missing double top, he directed an angry glare towards the crowd once he eventually secured the leg to draw level at 5-5.
The Dutchman's superior scoring ultimately proved decisive in securing one of the tournament's major upsets.
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|Luke Humphries was furious with a whistling fan during his exit
Van Veen described the victory as the most significant achievement in his professional career. "It means so much. I think it's the biggest win of my career," the Dutch player said.
He acknowledged the pressure of performing at the prestigious venue, stating: "To be here at the iconic Winter Gardens on my second time. Last year I missed five match darts and before I hit the double four tonight, I missed three match darts. I thought 'here we go again'. Finally I hit that winning double."
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The Dutchman's relief was evident after previously squandering five match darts in last year's tournament and nearly repeating that scenario with three missed opportunities before clinching victory with double four.
The match began with Van Veen immediately asserting dominance, breaking Humphries' opening throw by finishing on double 16. The Dutchman swiftly established a two-leg advantage before the defending champion found his rhythm.
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|Gian Van Veen took down the world No1 in the opening round
Humphries responded by securing double 10 to register his first leg, then squared the match with double eight. The world number one subsequently produced an impressive 146 checkout on double 16, taking his first lead of the encounter.
However, Van Veen responded emphatically following the interval, claiming three consecutive legs to establish a 5-3 advantage.
Despite Humphries' efforts to mount a comeback, the Dutchman maintained his composure throughout the closing stages to secure the memorable victory.
The first round also witnessed Cameron Menzies suffering a comprehensive 10-2 defeat against Danny Noppert.
The Scottish player endured a particularly embarrassing moment when, already trailing 3-0, he managed to bust a score of 178 after throwing a maximum 180 in the fourth leg.
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|Luke Humphries had been looking to defend his title from last year
In contrast, James Wade demonstrated his enduring quality at the tournament, securing a convincing 10-3 triumph over Joe Cullen.
The veteran player, competing in his twentieth consecutive World Matchplay appearance, progressed comfortably through to the next round.