Three-time champion Martin Adams crashed out of the BDO World Darts Championship at the first hurdle after suffering a 3-2 defeat against teenager Jimmy Hendriks at Lakeside on Sunday.
It’s the fifth time that Deeping legend ‘Wolfie’, who won the event back in 2007, 2010 and 2011, has gone out in the first round at Lakeside.
Second seed Adams, who was making a record-breaking 20th successive appearance at the Frimley Green event, twice came from a set down before succumbing in the decider.
Unfancied Dutchman Hendriks, who is 38 years younger than Adams – the tournament’s oldest player – took the opening set 3-2.
But Adams raced through the second 3-0 to level the tie, despite missing a host of double chances.
More dismal doubling cost Wolfie dear in the third set as Hendriks took the spoils 3-2, but the England international roared back to take an impressive fourth set win.
It proved to be a false dawn though, with Hendriks calling the tune in the finale to seal a shock 3-2 success.
Adams’ exit means there will be a new winner this year, as all the former champions who started the tournament have been knocked out.
That includes last years’ winner Christian Kist, who was beaten 3-1 by fifth seed Robbie Green.