The reigning World Series of Darts champion, Luke Littler, delivered an unusually underwhelming display in his opening match, narrowly defeating Simon Whitlock 6-4.
Littler only managed a 94 average throughout the encounter, significantly below his usual standard.
The world number two hit just two 180s during the entire match, struggling to find his rhythm against the Australian veteran.
His performance represented one of his weakest showings in recent memory, with the young champion appearing uncomfortable throughout. It means Littler must significantly improve his game to mount a successful defence of his title in Amsterdam.
Luke Littler delivered an unusually underwhelming display in his opening match, narrowly defeating Simon Whitlock 6-4
|GETTY
The match remained tight throughout, with both players holding serve until the crucial eighth leg.
Littler found himself under severe pressure when Whitlock moved ahead 4-3, but the Englishman produced a vital 120 finish to level at 4-4.
JUST IN: Premier League round up as Nick Woltemade grabs debut Newcastle goal and Bournemouth beat Brentford
Luke Littler executed a brilliant 92 checkout by hitting double 18 twice
|ITV
This momentum shift proved decisive as Littler finally secured the match's only break in the ninth leg, executing a brilliant 92 checkout by hitting double 18 twice.
Whitlock had opportunities to extend the contest in the final leg, securing two attempts at the outer ring to force a decider, but crucially failed to convert either chance. Littler capitalised immediately, closing out the match on double 10.
**SIGN UP FOR OUR FREE DAILY GB NEWS SPORTS NEWSLETTER HERE**
Elsewhere, Jonny Clayton demonstrated exceptional form in his opening match, completely dominating Jason Brandon with a comprehensive 6-0 victory.
The Welsh player required minimal time to dispatch the American opponent, setting up an intriguing second-round encounter with Littler.
This will mark just the fourth official meeting between the world's second and sixth-ranked players.
LATEST SPORTS NEWS:
The world No2 will face Jonny Clayton in the second round
|GETTY
Historical statistics favour Littler, who has emerged victorious in two of their three previous encounters. However, Clayton's commanding performance contrasts sharply with Littler's laboured display, potentially shifting the dynamics for their upcoming clash in the tournament's next phase.
Earlier in the day, Raymond van Barneveld survived a dramatic encounter against Cor Dekker, who squandered six match darts in the ninth leg amid hostile crowd reactions.
The Dutch-born Norwegian appeared set for victory before the jeering spectators disrupted his concentration at the crucial moment, allowing Van Barneveld to steal a last-leg decider.
Gerwyn Price required barely thirteen minutes to dispatch Danny Lauby 6-1, while Chris Dobey opened proceedings with a comfortable 6-2 triumph over Luke Woodhouse.
Former world champion Peter Wright suffered disappointment, falling 6-3 to Cameron Menzies. Dave Chisnall progressed past Nathan Aspinall to earn a second-round meeting with Ross Smith, who overcame New Zealand's Jonny Tata 6-4.