WORLD number one Colin Lloyd suffered a sensational defeat to qualifier Gary Welding on the second day of the Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship.
Lloyd went into the first round clash as heavy favourite, and justified that tag by winning the first two sets in style.
But, in an amazing turnaround, Welding hit back by winning six of the next seven legs to level matters before lifting his game again to win the decider 3-0.
"I'm absolutely delighted," said the 42-year-old from St Helens. "I was beaten 4-0 by Colin the last time we played, in Ireland last year, and I told myself I wouldn't be embarrassed again.
"The crowd were chanting 'easy, easy' and I was a bit insulted about being 7/1 in a two-horse race so I just stuck in there.
"When I won a set Colin went a little bit and at 2-2 I thought I was the better player.
"I like the glory and and I knew if I beat the world number one, in his home county of Essex, I would get some glory!"
Welding's win set up a second round encounter on Boxing Day with Dutchman Erwin Extercatte, who had opened proceedings on day two with a 3-2 defeat of Darren Webster.
Veterans Dave Whitcombe and Kevin Spiolek were unable to celebrate their returns to the big stage with wins, going down to Roland Scholten and Peter Manley respectively.
Number eight seed Andy Jenkins progressed with a 3-1 defeat of impressive Belgian qualifier Patrick Bulen.
American number one John Kuczynski produced a superb display to whitewash Lionel Sams 3-0, but New Zealander Warren Parry was unable to overcome Mark Walsh.
Dennis Smith edged out Welsh qualifier Mark Salmon in the day's closest game, winning the final set 6-4 in a tie break.
Ladbrokes.com World Darts Championship First Round
Second Day Results
Erwin Extercatte 3-2 Darren Webster - Report
Mark Walsh 3-0 Warren Parry - Report
Dennis Smith 3-2 Mark Salmon - Report
John Kuczynski 3-0 Lionel Sams - Report
Andy Jenkins 3-1 Patrick Bulen - Report - Audio Interview
Roland Scholten 3-1 Dave Whitcombe - Report - Audio Interviews
Gary Welding 3-2 Colin Lloyd - Report - Audio Interview
Peter Manley 3-0 Kevin Spiolek - Report - Audio Interview
Play resumes at 1pm on Wednesday - Catch live audio commentary and up-to-the-second score updates in DartsTV
Highlights of Tuesday's matches will be available from 6pm on Wednesday in DartsTV.
First Round Highlights from Monday's games are now online - click here to watch.