Phil Taylor has been knocked off the top of the Premier League after a 7-7 draw with James Wade on Thursday.
Wade beat Terry Jenkins 8-1 in his first match to move a point ahead of Taylor, having played a game more.
The 14-time world champion was due to face Wayne Mardle, but he withdrew because of illness.
"James's finishing was superb. I was leaving doubles and he was finishing on me, he was brilliant," Taylor told the PDC official website.
"His first game was awesome and I knew I was up against a tough game, but I kept battling and noticed a chink in him towards the end," Taylor added.
"I thought I'd blown my chance but he let me back in."
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