Raymond van Barneveld's
UK Open return is short lived with in-form Scot,
Alan Soutar accounting for the five time World Champion 6-3.
Soutar was super impressive in the Super Series and so was a tough draw for the Dutch legend on his televised return.
It proved to be the case with the Scottish fireman hitting a 93 average, two 180's and 54% on the doubles in an accomplished display.
Next up will now be Mickey Mansell which will be last up on the Main Stage to decide the Fourth Round line-up, while for Van Barneveld, he will head home ahead of the next lot of Super Series tournaments.
Soutar was impressive to start heading into a 2-0 lead before Van Barneveld finally got himself on the board.
From nowhere, Van Barneveld pinned a 152 checkout to reduce the arrears to 3-2 but it was only a hold of throw.
Soutar replied with a 180, a first of the match as he looked to head into a 4-2 lead. But Van Barneveld aimed to gain some impetus with a maximum of his own to break throw and make it 3-3.
But it was a key break of throw as Soutar returned to the front at 4-3. Three darts were missed to hold and Barney was on 74 but it was the Dutchman who missed two at double 16.
Soutar returned for double 10 to go within one at 5-3 up. A 64 checkout on double 16 saw 'Soots' win through.
2021 UK Open
Main Stage
Berry van Peer (88.19) 5-6 (92.06) Martin Schindler (R1)
Brett Claydon (81.12) 3-6 (88.68) Danny Baggish (R1)
Aaron Beeney (86.71) 2-6 (100.34) Lisa Ashton (R2)
Maik Kuivenhoven 6-4 Boris Koltsov (R2)
Alan Soutar (93.6) 6-3 (88.1) Raymond van Barneveld (R2)
Keane Barry v Geert Nentjes (R2)
Max Hopp v William O'Connor (R3)
Damon Heta v David Evans (R3)
Alan Soutar v Mickey Mansell (R3)