World number three Gerwyn Price crashed out of the PDC World Matchplay as he suffered a shock first-round loss to Dutchman Danny Noppert.

The 35-year-old from Markham was defeated 10-7 by Noppert, who registered five 180s en route to victory.

Price had worked his way into form in the Summer Series, finishing as runner-up in the final event, but crashed out to the ProTour qualifier.

The Welshman topped the list of averages in the Summer Series with 115.62 but could manage just 90.73 in the same venue in Milton Keynes.

His loss continues a nightmare run in the World Matchplay, with Price winless since 2016.

That won't concern Nopport, who moves into the next round of the 32-man, £700,000 tournament.

Price produced checkouts of 114, 122 and 70 across the opening ten legs, compensating for his unusually low scoring, to stay in touch at 6-4 down at the second interval.

Noppert took three of the next four legs, including an 89 finish ending on the bullseye, as he reached the brink of victory at 9-5.

A 98 checkout from Price, followed by four missed match darts from Noppert in the following leg, offered the two-time Grand Slam of Darts champion a possible route to recovery.

However, any hopes of a comeback were dashed by Noppert, who kept his cool to take out 88, sealing a significant win in his PDC career.

South Wales Argus:

The 29-year-old, playing his second World Matchplay tournament after debuting last year, said on pdc.tv: "It is a big win, I'm a really happy man.

"He didn't play his best game, and it wasn't my best game but I'm really happy to win.

"I believe that I can beat everyone if I play at my best level."

Noppert's compatriot Vincent Van Der Voort also advanced into round two after he defeated Dave Chisnall 10-6 - ending a nine-year wait for a win in the competition.

Former finalist Adrian Lewis booked his place in the last 16 as the two-time world champion beat Steve Beaton 11-9.

Daryl Gurney saw off Ricky Evans 10-5 and Joe Cullen got past Ian White 13-12.