Smith claimed a high quality victory over Jose de Sousa to begin proceedings on the main stage with a 10-7 victory.
He had to recover from 6-3 down though to see off the Grand Slam champion but did so superbly denying a 103 average from the Portuguese ace to claim the tie.
While Joe Cullen came from 8-6 down to defeat Ian White in a 10-8 victory, after going down to that point, he averaged 109.31.
He won legs in 13, 11, 14 and 17 to turn the match around and become the first winner of the session with a 98.5 average and four 180's.
Schedule 2020 Players Championship Finals
Saturday November 28
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Third Round
Evening Session (1900 GMT)
Main Stage
Michael Smith (102.11) 10-7 (103.57) Jose de Sousa
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𝗦𝗠𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗪𝗜𝗡𝗦!
Michael Smith recovers from 6-3 down to defeat Grand Slam champion Jose de Sousa.
The win sees Smith move into to the quarter-finals for the first time at the Players Championship Finals.