Gary Anderson whitewashes Noa-Lynn van Leuven as Players Championship 9 gets underway; Peter Wright & Michael van Gerwen suffer early exits

Players Championship 9 is underway this afternoon in Hildesheim with the first few results coming through. Among the early winners on the Pro Tour this afternoon is Gary Anderson.

Facing off against the history-making Pro Tour debutant, Noa-Lynn van Leuven, who is the first trans athlete to compete at a Players Championship event, Anderson's experience proved key as the 'Flying Scotsman' powered towards a dominant and comprehensive 6-0 win.

Elsewhere, Steve Beaton rolled back the years to see off Michael van Gerwen 6-4, Ian White also pulled up a small shock with a 6-4 win over Peter Wright. Dave Chisnall, Jonny Clayton, Chris Dobey, Damon Heta and Stephen Bunting are all also through to round 2.

For the likes of Ross Smith, Joe Cullen, Josh Rock and Ricardo Pietreckzo however, it's an early exit from Players Championship 9.