Michael van Gerwen was left rueing missed doubles as his World Series of Darts Finals title defence ended at the first hurdle.
The reigning champion was beaten 6-5 by Daryl Gurney in Amsterdam on Thursday on his return to his homeland.
It marked the second time Van Gerwen had been beaten in the opening round of the tournament in his career - and the first since 2018.
The world No.7 had lost each of the opening three legs before surging into a 5-3 lead in the race to six.
However, the Dutchman could not finish the job as Gurney produced a fight back of his own.
Van Gerwen missed six match darts whilst leading 5-4 before ultimately losing the match in the deciding leg.
Gurney will now take on Ross Smith in the second round on Saturday.
The world No.29 is only appearing in the tournament as a late replacement.
He was added to the field alongside Maik Kuivenhoven after Alexis Toylo and Lawrence Ilagan were forced to withdraw due to visa issues.
Meanwhile, Van Gerwen was left stunned by his own failure to clinch victory.
What has Van Gerwen said about his defeat?
Speaking to Viaplay after the match, Mighty Mike admitted: "I donâÂÂt get it. I came back so well. IâÂÂm 3-0 down, and I think I throw 13, 13, 14, 15 and 13 darts.
"In the last leg thereâÂÂs absolutely nothing wrong. I just miss six darts. It makes no sense at all. IâÂÂm sick to my stomach."
He added: "That just canâÂÂt happen. Especially not that first visit.
"YouâÂÂre stuck on double 10 and youâÂÂre already making it very hard for yourself. IâÂÂm really absolutely gutted. Good grief. Totally unnecessary."
Commenting on his sixth missed match dart, Gerwen then remarked: "It feels like youâÂÂve already hurt yourself so much.
"Your balls are on the chopping block at that moment, I just shouldnâÂÂt even get into that position, and thatâÂÂs on me, IâÂÂm really absolutely sick about this.âÂÂ
Van Gerwen won his sixth World Series of Darts Finals title last year by beating Luke Littler in the final.
However, he has endured a difficult year on the oche so far in 2026.
The 37-year-old won just one night in the Premier League on his way to finishing sixth, his joint-lowest position ever.
Van Gerwen has also only won three titles so far this year, with two in the World Series of Darts and one Players Championship event.
The last of those victories came back in June, though, at the Nordic Darts Masters.
Meanwhile, his slip to seventh in the world rankings marks his lowest position for 14 years.
When does Van Gerwen play next?
It is currently unconfirmed whether Van Gerwen will appear at next week's Players Championship events in Den Bosch on Tuesday and Wednesday.
He is in the field for the following week's World Grand Prix in Leicester, though.
Van Gerwen has been seeded ninth for the 'double-in, double-out' tournament and will face Ryan Joyce in the first round.
He is a six-time winner of the World Grand Prix, with his last title coming back in 2022.