Damon Heta continued to live up to his name with a stunning 6-1 victory over James Wade at the Melbourne Darts Masters.
Wade was Heta's first victim as the 250/1 outsider sprang a massive surprise by going all the way in Brisbane last week, a performance which earned him quotes of just 33/1 for a quickfire double.
Those prices will be long gone after a 100.12 average, five maximums and a 116 finish saw him run riot over the left-hander, who narrowly avoided a whitewash when taking leg six.
Heta responded to that minor setback in style with a 13-dart leg to progress to Saturday and a rematch with Brisbane final opponent Rob Cross, who was below his best in beating Robbie King 6-2.
"Things just feel so good right now, I’m just in the moment and absolutely loving it," said Heta after his win.
Earlier on Friday, Raymond van Barneveld rolled back the years with a 6-1 victory over Haupai Puha.
Van Barneveld took out 109 to win the first leg and 83 to win the second, before crowning a dominant display with an 11-dart leg.
The veteran averaged 106.13 - the best of the night - and missed just two attempts at double as he cruised through.
He said: "I felt really relaxed up there. I took a few days off after Brisbane to get my mind in the right place and it seemed to have worked.
"I have been doing it on the practice board and I always feel confident there but it’s nice to finally do it out on the stage."
Barney will now meet Peter Wright, who beat Corey Cadby 6-4 in what was a low-scoring affair despite a 142 checkout from the winner.
"Tonight was diabolical, I’m sorry and I don’t know what happened up there tonight but sometimes it just doesn’t go," said a frustrated Wright.
"I have to play Barney tomorrow and if I play anything like that then I won’t be the champion anymore."
Simon Whitlock was solid in all departments in a 6-3 win against Mick Lacey, Gary Anderson oozed class to whitewash James Bailey 6-0, while Daryl Gurney was ruthless in a 6-3 victory over Kyle Anderson.
Two-time major winner Gurney said: "I was pleased with the way I started so I was happy with that but it was my own fault that I let Kyle back in.
"I’m been working really hard at home and whilst i’ve been away so beating quality players shows the hard work is paying off."
Michael van Gerwen produced another stuttering display to beat Tim Pusey 6-2, four maximums nowhere near enough to halt a run of what's now 15 matches without a three-figure average as he registered 93.
The three-time world champion made a blistering start with 14- and 12-dart legs, but then began to offer chances to Pusey who took them initially to level the match at 2-2.
Van Gerwen went on to win the final four legs of the match, but by the end of it had missed 12 darts at double - the sort of profligacy which old rival Anderson will look to exploit in round two.
"Gary and I always have great games and I can’t afford to make any mistakes against him," admitted Mighty Mike.
"I have not played my best but I just have to keep giving myself chances and doing the right things at the right moments.
"I am happy to get the win today but now I have to focus on playing Gary.”
The Dutchman, whose World Matchplay hopes were ended by Glen Durrant in Blackpool, may have bagged a fifth Masters, fifth Premier League and six other events this season since his third world title but since claiming the last of those at the O2, he's almost been a shadow of his former self.
Friday's results & Saturday schedule
Friday August 16
First Round (Best of 11 legs)
TV Coverage: Delayed on ITV4 from 7pm BST
- Simon Whitlock 6-3 Mick Lacey
- Raymond van Barneveld 6-1 Haupai Puha
- Daryl Gurney 6-3 Kyle Anderson
- Gary Anderson 6-0 James Bailey
- Peter Wright 6-4 Corey Cadby
- James Wade 1-6 Damon Heta
- Michael van Gerwen 6-2 Tim Pusey
- Rob Cross 6-2 Robbie King
Saturday August 17
Quarter-finals (Best of 15 legs)
TV Coverage: Delayed on ITV4 from 7pm BST
- Peter Wright v Raymond van Barneveld
- Michael Van Gerwen v Gary Anderson
- Rob Cross v Damon Heta
- Daryl Gurney v Simon Whitlock
Semi-finals (Best of 15 legs)
- Two matches
Final (Best of 15 legs)
- Winner SF 1 v Winner SF 2