Jonny Clayton saw off Nathan Aspinall in an 8-6 victory which is potentially pivotal ahead of the latter half of the Premier League Darts.
Both players harbour play-off ambitions but in a scrappy tie, it was Clayton who held the measure of the two.
"We both had chances so I'm really glad to get over that. Good friend, great player, I'm really happy," said Clayton to Sky Sports post match.
"We all try our best and we all want to pick that trophy up at the end. There's big pressure on that stage for each and every one of us and I'm glad four points and it's good for me."
The crowds are set to return for the latter half when the action returns at the end of May and it is something Clayton is buzzing for.
"I can't wait to be honest. You grow up playing darts in pubs and there's no crowds so it's silent. You play in the floor tournaments and it's silent but the crowd makes it special. I cannot wait so hopefully my form keeps going when the crowd comes back in."