Damon Heta delivered the first major surprise of the 2026 Winmau World Masters, knocking out five-time champion Michael van Gerwen on a thrilling opening night at Arena MK, while Gerwyn Price produced a blistering performance to underline his title credentials.

Heta, a two-time quarter-finalist in Milton Keynes, edged into an early lead with a superb 124 checkout before Van Gerwen briefly hit back. However, the Australian took full advantage of missed doubles from the world number four, claiming the next two sets with clinical finishing. A third ton-plus checkout sealed a famous victory, as Heta converted an impressive 63% of his attempts on the outer ring.

Price stole the headlines with the performance of the night, demolishing James Hurrell 3-0 with a 108.5 average. The former world champion opened with a 13-dart set and fired in four maximums on his way to winning six of the eight legs contested in a ruthless display.

Jonny Clayton also made a winning return to Arena MK, overcoming Wessel Nijman 3-1. Despite losing the opening set—after landing a huge 161 finish—the 2021 Masters champion took control, winning six of the next eight legs to progress.

Nathan Aspinall shrugged off an early scare against debutant Shane McGuirk to claim a 3-1 victory. After conceding the first set, Aspinall reeled off six consecutive legs, averaging over 105 and barely missing on the doubles thereafter.

European Champion Gian van Veen marked his World Masters debut with a 3-1 win over Ryan Joyce, setting up a round two clash with Aspinall. James Wade survived a stern test from Madars Razma, edging a deciding set contest despite being taken the distance.

Elsewhere, Chris Dobey cruised to a whitewash against Jermaine Wattimena, while Gary Anderson averaged 101 in a hard-fought 3-2 win over Niels Zonneveld.

The tournament continues on Friday as defending champion Luke Humphries and reigning World Champion Luke Littler enter the fray, with further heavyweight clashes set to light up Milton Keynes.