Fallon Sherrock suffered an early defeat on day one of PDC Q School, but boyfriend Cameron Menzies reached the final before losing to James Wilson.
Having qualified for the final stage, all eyes were on Sherrock on Wednesday afternoon, but the recent Grand Slam of Darts quarter-finalist drew emerging American player Danny Lauby Jr.
The American dominated the contest from start to finish, hitting three 180s on the way to a 6-1 victory and a 97.21 average.
However, Menzies has moved to the brink of securing his PDC Tour Card, losing just 13 legs in five matches before succumbing tamely by a 6-1 scoreline in the final.
Wilson, who lost his tour status late last year, came through two last-leg deciders to set up a showdown with Menzies, and the Yorkshire thrower held his nerve to secure his place back on the circuit for the next two years.
Elsewhere, 1995 Lakeside champion Richie Burnett enjoyed a fantastic start by reaching the semi-finals, while four-time women's world champion Lisa Ashton made it to the last 32 as she bids to reclaim the tour card that she lost last month.
In the European equivalent, Spain's Jose Justica dominated all day, losing just 10 legs in seven matches to earn a return to the tour.
The second of four events takes place on Thursday.
