Defending champ sent packing

Eccles: Big upset

I've won big tournaments around Europe during my career, but that's probably the biggest win on TV for me.

Tony Eccles
Quotes of the week

World Grand Prix:
Monday results - First round
J Wade 1-2 T Eccles
M King 2-1 W Jones

Also see

• Order of Merit
• On Sky TV
• Darts Schedule/Results

The Sky Poker World Grand Prix in Dublin started off in thrilling style as defending champion James Wade suffered a shock first round defeat at the hands of Tony Eccles in the opening match of the tournament.

With the short first-round format and the unique double-in start of the tournament at the Citywest Hotel, shocks are always on the cards but no-one expected such a start to the competition.

The match started as expected with world number three Wade cruising to the first set, and he took charge of the second too before faltering on his finishing.

'The Viper' managed to level and then took the opening two legs of the second set to move within one of a shock victory - but left-handed Wade held firm to hit back.

Eccles was not to be denied though and he took out a superb 125 checkout to seal a 2-1 victory and send the defending champion and three-time major winner crashing out of the tournament at the first hurdle.

Big win

"I've won big tournaments around Europe during my career, but that's probably the biggest win on TV for me," said Eccles.

"That was the first time for me in this format and I didn't know what to expect. I probably needed James to show me how to do it in that first leg.

"But I got into a zone out there, and concentrated on my own game.

"To beat the defending champion is brilliant for me and I can build on this - although I've no idea who I play next."

Eccles will, in fact, play Mervyn King after he came through a tough battle with Wayne Jones in their opening round match

After becoming the main challenger to Phil Taylor over the last year or so, Wade is now struggling to maintain his top form.

"I had more than enough chances to win and it's disappointing to lose, but Tony played better than me over the course of the game," said Wade.

"I feel I'm playing well but it's not quite happening for me on stage at the moment. I lost my focus a little bit and it cost me."

King lost the first set of his match against Wolverhampton man Jones despite leading it 2-1, and the secen was set for a tense battle.

Former BDO star King levelled the match, before both men missed several shots at double in the decider.

It was King who held his nerve in the end and nailed a double eight to book his second round spot against Eccles.