Former champion Ted Hankey crashed out of the Lakeside World Championship in the first round on Saturday.
Hankey, who won the title in 2000, lost 3-1 to Holland's Albertino Essers.
"I can't explain it. I've been playing so well in practice, but I walked on to the stage and it just didn't happen," said the eighth-seeded Hankey.
Fifth seed Tony Eccles was beaten 3-2 by Denmark's Per Laursen but top seed Mervyn King made no mistake as he beat Cumbrian qualifier Brian Woods 3-0.
"Once I found my mark I was quite happy," said King.
"I feel confident. I always feel confident wherever I play, but I really do feel up for this.
"I was nervous for the first two legs but once I won that first leg the nerves went."
Stockport's Tony O'Shea reached the second round with a 3-1 win over Tony West, while two England v Holland battles went the way of the home players.
Shaun Greatbatch was pushed all the way before beating Niels de Ruiter 3-2, but Mareno Michels suffered a comprehensive 3-0 defeat against Paul Hogan.