diff --git a/gluon/dal.py b/gluon/dal.py
index f2592868..ed9f4d5e 100644
--- a/gluon/dal.py
+++ b/gluon/dal.py
@@ -8386,10 +8386,7 @@ class Table(object):
         elif isinstance(key, dict):
             """ for keyed table """
             query = self._build_query(key)
-            rows = self._db(query).select()
-            if rows:
-                return rows[0]
-            return None
+            return self._db(query).select(limitby=(0,1), orderby_on_limitby=False).first()
         elif str(key).isdigit() or 'google' in DRIVERS and isinstance(key, Key):
             return self._db(self._id == key).select(limitby=(0,1), orderby_on_limitby=False).first()
         elif key: