Mark Walsh was knocked out of the PDC World Darts Championship after a 4-1 defeat to Wes Newton in the last 16 this afternoon.
The Abbots Langley star was hoping to reach the quarter-finals for the first time in his career but was unable to find his best form.
Newton edged his way to the first set 3-2 after a tight battle in the opening match at Alexandra Palace.
Walsh was making a few mistakes and Newton punished him to extend his lead by taking the second set 3-1.
It did not get any better for 'Special Brew' in the third set as Newton cruised through it to move within one of a place in the next round.
After losing six legs in a row, Walsh at least briefly halted this run by claiming the opener in the fourth set.
Newton made it 1-1 but Walsh kept fighting and hit double top for the first time in 12 attempts to take a 2-1 advantage.
Newton squared the set but Walsh held his nerve to take the decisive leg and keep his hopes of a remarkable fightback alive.
The comeback continued in the fifth set as Walsh took the opening leg as the match became increasingly scrappy.
Walsh gave himself a great chance of winning another set when he took a 2-0 lead but Newton broke back to make it 2-2.
Newton regained the composure he showed in the opening sets and secured the decisive leg to book his place in the next round.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here