Searle edges past Whitlock, Ratajski breezes through Meulenkamp clash as Players Championship Finals begin

Early games are complete at this year's Players Championship Finals with Ryan Searle and Krzysztof Ratajski through from the Main Stage into the second round.

Searle survived two missed match darts in a tale of missed doubles in the opening match on the Main Stage winning through 6-5 in the end.

He hit 6/23 in the end to Whitlock's 5/20 with four 180's also pinned by 'Heavy Metal' in a scrappy tie.

While for Ratajski, it was the opposite as he reeled off six legs on the spin to see off Ron Meulenkamp 6-1.

He hit 6/15 on his doubles compared to 1/5 from his opponent with a 170 also pinned by 'The Polish Eagle' who will be one of the main dangers for the title this weekend.

Over on Stage Two, Scott Mitchell punished six missed match darts from Martijn Kleermaker to edge through 6-5 in the opening tie as 'Scotty Dog' aims to make strides this weekend ahead of his Ally Pally debut next month.

While it was job done for Ryan Joyce as the in-form North East ace saw off Luke Woodhouse 6-4 to book his spot in the next round.