Nathan Aspinall's World Match Play title defence ended with an 8-11 defeat to James Wade, while Gerwin Price was also eliminated on Tuesday.
Aspinall has been suffering from an elbow injury since the second half of the Premier League darts season in May and will now undergo treatment on his arm.
Wade has reached the quarter-finals for the first time in five years and will face compatriot Ross Smith, who beat Price to win the title.
“I was a lucky boy! I had nothing to prove,” said Wade, who won the 2007 Match Play.
“I always say this, and it's pretty boring, but other than Michael (Van Gerwen) and Phil (Taylor), nobody has won more tournaments than me.
“I'm just doing what I do. I was really lucky to beat Nathan. I'm happy to be moving on. I'm happy, I'm smiling, so I'm okay.”
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Nathan Aspinall once again got the crowd singing with a delightful rendition of Mr Brightside at the World Matchplay.
Wade went ahead 4-0 but Aspinall fought back to make it 5-5 as the crowd continued to cheer for the defending champion.
The pair shared the next six games, but Wade took advantage of Aspinall's poor scoring to come back from 8-8 down to win the next two games to advance to the quarterfinals.
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
James Wade has beaten reigning Matchplay champion Nathan Aspinall to reach the quarter-finals.
“Wade said the first four legs were good, and the last four legs were good,” he said. Sky Sports Darts Wayne Madle.
“All credit to Nathan. Down 4-0, he looked terrible. Down 8-7, he was unpredictable. Wade's doubling wasn't spectacular, but his scoring was better in the patch.
“James knows he can't win the tournament with that form, but he did enough to win that game. Wade can beat anyone who's a little off, and Aspinall is off.”
Prices plummet
Before Wade's win, Smith had a dramatic 11-9 win over world number four Price at Winter Garden.
There were seven consecutive throw breaks at 3-3, and Price was now ahead 7-6, but Smith's 12-dart leg levelled the score at 8-8.
Leading 10-9, Smith won a brace against Price and was relieved to have beaten the Welshman.
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Ross Smith reaches World Matchplay quarter-finals with dramatic 11-9 win over Gerwyn Price
“I was just telling myself to keep fighting because I wasn't in the race the first half, so I was trying to keep my energy up,” Smith said.
“It means everything to me. I work really hard for it. Getting to the quarter-finals in the Matchplay is something I watched as a kid.
“It's huge in terms of rankings. I know that in a corner of my heart, so I'm really happy with my performance. I'm really happy.”
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Ross Smith was delighted to reach the World Matchplay quarter-finals following a stunning meeting with Gerwyn Price.
Humphreys overcomes bunting test
World number one Luke Humphries won the title by defeating Stephen Bunting 11-7.
Humphries responded immediately to Bunting's breaks in Games 8 and 12 with an 8-7 lead, and will face Dimitri van den Berg in Game 8.
“Steven and I are really close friends. We get along really well. He's a great guy and you can see why the fans love him,” Humphries said.
For a more accessible video player, please use the Chrome browser.
Luke Humphries felt he couldn't get his way against Stephen Bunting and was 'not quite up to his best', but he still managed to progress to the quarter-finals.
“We like to play against each other. He doesn't play against me, he plays against me. I didn't play my way. We both had a few missed shots. I'm happy to be in the next round, but I think the double made the difference.
“He's a player you can't shake off. You have to dig in and win. I was far from my best but I scored a decent goal in a few minutes. Steven is a fighter and he put pressure on me with every leg and I'm happy we won the game.”
In his final match of the night, van den Bergh comfortably defeated last year's Match Play runner-up Johnny Clayton 11-5.
What happens at the World Match Play on Wednesday?
Round two concludes on Wednesday at the World Matchplay, with Krzysztof Ratajski taking on Andrew Gilding in the first match that night at 7pm. Live on Sky Sports Action.
Rob Cross struggled in the first round but will need to improve against Ryan Searle, who impressed on Monday.
After his win over Luke Littler, Michael van Gerwen faces Joe Cullen and Michael Smith faces Chris Doby in his final bout of round two.
The World Matchplay continues on Wednesday at 7pm, with Round 2 culminating live on Sky Sports Action. Get instant access to World Matchplay for just £26.
Advertising Content | Stream Sky Sports on NOW
Stream Sky Sports live without a contract with a monthly or daily membership on NOW. Get instant access to live action from football, darts, cricket, F1, tennis, golf, rugby league, rugby union and more.
