Mickey Mansell shocks Gary Anderson and Michael van Gerwen eases past returning Paul Nicholson

Mickey Mansell pulled off the biggest shock of the first round so far at the Players Championship Finals. The Clonoe Cyclone averaged 86.28 compared to Anderson's 84.14 in a 6-3 win. Anderson was very much below par hitting only 20% on the doubles and apparently was suffering with a back injury which will have contributed to the loss.
Michael van Gerwen started his campaign for another Players Championship Finals title by defeating a former champion in Paul Nicholson. 'The Asset' was making his return to TV after 2 years and looked good at times but was indifferent in others allowing Mighty Mike to ease past him with a 6-2 win and a 100 average to progress to round 2.
Over on board 2, Robbie Green made it through next of all and will play Daryl Gurney tomorrow afternoon. 'Kong' survived one match dart from 'The Dutch Destroyer' Vincent van der Voort in a performance that included a 160 checkout to make it 4-4 and now he will prepare for tomorrow after a nervy encounter.
Also through is Jonny Clayton, a winner on the Players Championship series this year. He defeated Jeffrey de Graaf in a 6-4 victory as he aims to continue the brilliant form that saw him win that title. He will now face Gerwyn Price tomorrow in an all-Welsh battle that will surely be one of the matches of the day.
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