Matchplay champ Cross knocked out in the first round by debutant Clemens

Gabriel Clemens enjoyed a dream Betfred World Matchplay debut by knocking out reigning champion Rob Cross with a 10-8 triumph on Sunday, as Peter Wright overcame a scare against Jose De Sousa.

Cross had lifted the Phil Taylor Trophy 12 months ago, but became the first player to lose in the first round on their title defence for 14 years after falling to a brilliant display of finishing from the German.

Clemens finished 127 on his way to leads of 2-0 and 3-1 as he punished Cross' early missed doubles, with the world number four hitting back with legs of 14 and 12 darts to level.

The debutant took out 170 as he regained a two-leg cushion, only for Cross to respond in style with a three-leg burst which included finishes of 94 - for an 11-darter - and 113 as he led for the first time at 6-5.

Clemens took out a clutch 72 on the bull and finished 80 as he moved back ahead, and though Cross kept his hopes alive with a 110 combination, the emerging German sealed the biggest win of his career on double eight.

"It's amazing," said Clemens, who finished ten doubles from 18 attempts. "It's a big moment for my career and I'm really happy.

"Rob had a lot of pressure this year and I didn't play very well - normally I am a good scorer on the tour. After the 170 my scoring became better and I was the lucky man on the day."

Another shock from a debutant was also on the cards later in the night at the Marshall Arena in Milton Keynes, when Portugal's Jose De Sousa led World Champion Wright 8-5.

De Sousa performed superbly as he took charge of the contest, finishing 161 in the early stages and moving into a three-leg cushion with the aid of a 101 checkout.

Wright, though, changed to a set of darts with a shorter point and also removed his glasses - which he was wearing for the first time in a televised game - before taking out a huge 144 checkout in leg 15 to turn the game.

He then produced a key double 16 to level, which was sandwiched between two breaks of throw as the Scot moved 9-8 up before going on to seal the win on tops.

Mensur Suljovic beat Jamie Hughes 12-10, Glen Durrant triumphed over Jeffrey de Zwaan 10-3, the same scoreline Michael Smith beat Jonny Clayton by.