Nathan Aspinall dumped out Luke Humphries on Sunday night who headed into the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the Phil Taylor Trophy.
Speaking post match, Aspinall said that they had actually planned to practice together but those plans went out the window after the draw.
"It's an amazing venue, Phil Taylor made this what it is. My local tournament effectively and they absolutely love me here. The support tonight was fantastic, they cut my walk on short which I wasn't happy about. A tough game and one that I got through and I'm really happy," said Aspinall post match.
"We spoke beforehand and the funny thing was that we were supposed to be practicing with each other this week for the first time and none of us text each other when the draw came out. What Luke's done over the past four or five months, I've said it in interviews he's one of the best players in the world. I think he felt the occasion."
In addition, the former UK Open champion vented that pundits and other people associated with darts thought that Humphries was just going to get a walk-over and that he was just written off.
"I don't know why they pay these people, they haven't got a clue. I watch interviews and I'm not just saying it, I didn't even know I was in this tournament. I'm not even lying. Going on about this quarter, no-one mentioned my name. No-one expected me to get a few legs off the guy and I've been so pumped up all day. I'm going to prove everyone wrong, I love proving people wrong. That's my biggest motivation in life."