World number one Michael Van Gerwen crashed out of the PDC World Matchplay after a stunning performance from Simon Whitlock.
The Australian, seeded 16th in the behind-closed-doors tournament in Milton Keynes, produced one of the best displays of his career to thrash the two-time winner 11-4.
Van Gerwen was well below his best, converting just four of 24 double attempts, but Whitlock made him pay in style, racing into a 5-0 lead and never looking back.
VAN GERWEN IS OUT! Take a bow Simon Whitlock, after 15 consecutive losses to Van Gerwen, 'The Wizard' thrashes the world number one to send him home early and set up a quarter-final clash with Gary Anderson! pic.twitter.com/d2OY6E3Je8 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 21, 2020
The Wizard of Oz will now play Gary Anderson in the quarter-finals and will have an eye on the title as Van Gerwen follows fellow top four seeds Gerwyn Price and Rob Cross out of tournament.
"I don't know what to say, I have been practising well, I have been playing well, it just goes to show what I can actually do," he told Sky Sports.
"I have been playing online tournaments, I was very confident going into the match.
"At the moment, it is one of the best performances. Michael didn't play his normal match, I know that, but I took full advantage of his poor form today."
WHITLOCK WINS!!! MICHAEL VAN GERWEN IS OUT!!! It's a huge shock here at the @Betfred World Matchplay as Simon Whitlock produces a fine performance to stun Michael van Gerwen#WM2020 pic.twitter.com/vMOld3HcHL — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 21, 2020
Anderson laid down his marker by beating James Wade.
The 2018 champion was too good for Wade in Milton Keynes and won 11-8.
Michael Smith is also in the last eight after he came from behind to beat Mensur Suljovic 14-12, but sixth seed Nathan Aspinall crashed out in the remaining first-round match.
