Michael van Gerwen is safely through to the next round of the World Darts Championship after overcoming William O'Connor 3-1 at Alexandra Palace.
The Dutch former champion started quickly out of the blocks, winning the first two sets. O'Connor saw that the first went to five legs but van Gerwen was dominant in the second, winning without dropping a leg.
O'Connor took the third set to force his opponent into a fourth, but van Gerwen ultimately prevailed by winning another set 3-0.
Earlier in the evening, another former world champion Gary Anderson safely ensured his progress after Christmas with a 3-1 victory over Connor Scutt.
This came after Peter Wright, an ex-champion in his own right, crashed out in the afternoon session.
The two-time winner was dressed in a Santa outfit but there was no festive cheer on show as Arno Merk ensured he will not be returning to Alexandra Palace after Christmas.
Wright had claimed he was definitely going to win this tournament but was left red-faced after the German won 3-0.
Merk, on debut, was full value for the win but it denied the mouth-watering possibility of a third-round clash between Wright and Michael van Gerwen -- a repeat of the 2020 final.
The pair had been involved in an exchange of words last week after Wright said Van Gerwen's eyesight had been faltering, with the Dutchman responding by suggesting the women he has been dating shows his eyes are just fine.
Van Gerwen remains at the top of the sport -- and is a contender for the title ---but Wright's name is no longer in that conversation after a dreadful performance where he averaged just 79.20.
"I am stunned, I can't believe it, I just beat a legend, I am so happy," Merk said on stage. "I am early in my work, so I am really happy.
"It means everything. I am so proud to make my family proud. If I play like this I can be dangerous for anybody"
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Meanwhile in the evening session, a pair of former world champions safely progressed to the next round as Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen both prevailed.
Anderson needed four sets to overcome Conor Schutt 3-1 while van Gerwen prevailed over Ireland's William O'Connor by the same margin.
There were a number of entertaining matches earlier in the afternoon.
Jermaine Wattimena won a final-set decider against Scott Williams, having seen his opponent come from 2-0 down to draw level.
Callan Rydz loves Ally Pally and last year's quarter-finalist won a classic against Daryl Gurney, also winning in the final set.
Ryan Meikle kicked off the day with a fine comeback, recovering from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Jonny Tata.