World number two Luke Humphries has pulled out of the European Championship in Germany because of gastroenteritis, with Luke Woodhouse throwing a nine-darter in the opening match of the tournament.
Humphries was coming into the tournament on the back of winning the World Grand Prix prior to reaching thefinal of the Swiss Darts Trophy final, which he lost to Jonny Clayton.
Kim Huybrechts came in as his replacement as the Belgian was the highest-ranked player from the 2026 European Tour rankings who had not qualified.
He took advantage of his late arrival as he produced a dominant 6-1 victory against Ryan Searle during Thursday's first round matches in Dortmund.
Huybrechts hit six 180s and had a 67% checkout success as he set up a second round tie against Stephen Bunting, who produced a 160 checkout in a deciding leg against Danny Noppert as he won 6-5.
"I got a phone call this morning, 9.30am, I think," said Huybrechts. "I was like dancing around the house just before I picked up. So happy days.
"I set off at 2pm, three-hour drive. Had something for food, and actually, it was a good practice.
"It was like calm, relaxed, no pressure. I'm going to drive home now, three hours back. We haven't got a hotel because Friday's free.
"I'll decide on Friday what to do to. I haven't decided yet.
"It's the first time I've ever done that. Normally, the day before I come to the venue, so it's the first time I've done three hours for a tournament. Maybe it's a good thing and I'll do it the next couple of times."
Another highlight of round one came earlier on when Woodhouse produced his nine-darter in a 6-3 win against Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Woodhouse hit two 180s in the fourth leg and then finished with a 141 for his first nine-darter on television.
"It's my first one on a big stage," he said. "I tried to keep myself nice and calm. It was more about not letting him back into the game."
Woodhouse will play Gian van Veen in the last 16 after the defending champion beat Andrew Gilding 6-4.
Damon Heta won a deciding leg in a 6-5 victory against James Wade to set up a match against Ross Wilson, who made hard work of a 6-4 win against Karel Sedlacek.
Gerwyn Price looked set for a tough encounter against Rob Cross but emerged a 6-2 winner and will play Cameron Menzies, who beat Niels Zonneveld 6-3, in the last 16.
World number one and PDC world champion Luke Littler will start his challenge on Friday with a match against William O'Connor.
Thursday's results
Round one
Luke Woodhouse 6-3 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Stephen Bunting 6-5 Danny Noppert
Cameron Menzies 6-3 Niels Zonneveld
Gerwyn Price 6-2 Rob Cross
Damon Heta 6-5 James Wade
Kim Huybrechts 6-1 Ryan Searle
Gian van Veen 6-4 Andrew Gilding
Ross Smith 6-4 Karel Sedlacek