On the main stage,
Nathan Aspinall took care of the elimination of
Chris Dobey, who was the number one seed at this tournament. 'The Asp' had narrowly qualified for this event, but managed to win 6-1 for a spot in the second round.
Aspinall was seen on holiday in the past week or so while others were playing at the Grand Slam of Darts and it seems with his time away, he is refreshed and ready for the run in.
While in the case of Dobey, it is very much a poor showing for a player who finished top of the Order of Merit but due to Aspinall's lowly position, similar to Littler drawing Cross it is one of the toughest ties possible.
Raymond van Barneveld has secured a spot in the second round of the
Players Championship Finals. The 57-year-old from The Hague triumphed convincingly 6-2 against compatriot Chris Landman.
It was a very solid performance from the five-time world champion, who posted a 98 average and a 67 percent finish percentage. Van Barneveld saw Landman take the first leg, but the deficit was quickly turned into a lead with a 10-darter and a 67 finish.
Including a 125 finish and a 15-darter, "Barney" then ran out to a 5-1 lead. Van Barneveld then missed two chances to decide the match 6-1. Landman then stayed alive by hitting tops, but a leg later got the job done. Van Barneveld threw out 58 for the win, allowing him to take on the winner of the match between Luke Humphries and Gabriel Clemens in the second round.
Danny Noppert also won his first match at the Player Championship Finals. The Freeze' trailed 3-5 against James Hurrell, but fought his way back to 5-5 with two 13 darts. Noppert then started the last leg himself and decided the match with a 15-darter.