Smith battles past Borland in scrappy tie, Cullen dumped out by Boulton in quality clash

The first round continues on the opening day of the Players Championship Finals which is taking place in Minehead with Michael Smith and Andy Boulton through from the main stage.

Smith fresh off his good run to the latter stages of the Grand Slam of Darts did not show his form against William Borland but still had enough to move through.

'Bully Boy' averaged only 87.5 and missed 12 darts at double en route to winning through 6-3 as he takes his place in the second round.

As does Andy Boulton who saw off one of the top names on the ProTour this year in Joe Cullen who has been producing some brilliant displays as of late.

He won through in a deciding leg in what was a quality clash. It could have been done for 'X Factor' a lot sooner leaving 70 for the match but Cullen produced an epic 170 checkout to have the throw for the tie.

Only for Boulton to break straight back for the win with double 20 with Cullen unable to take out 120 for the win.

Boulton averaged 100 in the end with two 180's and 50% on the doubles showing the quality also echoed by Cullen who averaged 99 with four 180's.

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Speaking of quality, Darius Labanauskas produced one of his best performances on TV/streamed action to see off Mervyn King over on Stage Two.

A finalist last year, King has been downed at the very first hurdle this time with a 99 average and 66% on the doubles from 'Lucky D' who edges through 6-4.

While before that, Ian White is also out as Martin Schindler produced a display befitting of his ProTour form averaging 95.6 and hitting 66% on the doubles to win 6-3.