Van Gerwen hit a 104 average as he hit his second gear at the right time to see off the St Helens ace.
Smith started off brilliantly with an immediate break of throw taking out 93 for a 12-darter.
Despite that though, MVG moved 2-1 in front with a 105 average asserting his dominance in the early going.
From there he went 4-2 up only to be pegged back himself including a brilliant 150 checkout from Smith to level the contest.
It was finely poised at 5-5 but Van Gerwen assured himself of a point with tops. Smith slipped up in the next leg hitting a 54 which allowed Mighty Mike in to go on to claim the win.
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Night One schedule
James Wade (99.24) 7-4 (95.15) Raymond van Barneveld
Gerwyn Price (104.11) 7-4 (98.78) Daryl Gurney
Chris Dobey (98.53) 6-6 (100.99) Mensur Suljovic
Michael van Gerwen (104.98) 7-5 (95.23) Michael Smith
Peter Wright v Rob Cross
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