Michael van Gerwen,
Peter Wright and
Gary Anderson have qualified for the second round of
Players Championship 5 during the early matches.
Van Gerwen trailed 2-3 against compatriot Danny van Trijp, but won 6-4 thanks to two 14-darters. For Anderson it was a 6-3 win over Mickey Mansell whilst Wright came through a marathon encounter with Adam Gawlas.
Elsewhere, familiar names such as Damon Heta, Michael Smith, Dirk van Duijvenbode, Stephen Bunting, Dave Chisnall and Ryan Searle also managed to advance to the second round of the floor tournament in Hildesheim.
A total of 125,000 pounds in prize money is distributed at each Players Championship tournament. The winner of the event will receive a check for 15,000 pounds.