Michael van Gerwen,
Michael Smith,
Dave Chisnall and
Luke Humphries have already secured a spot in the second round after the first games of
Players Championship 23.
Van Gerwen recorded a difficult win over Ricky Evans. The fastest darter in the world managed to undo a break by Van Gerwen twice and was allowed to throw for the match at 5-5. However, 'Rapid Ricky' was broken with a 13-darter by 'Mighty Mike'.
Michael Smith saw off Jeffrey Sparidaans 6-5 with a 98 average, while Luke Humphries took down Jimmy Hendriks with a 105 average. There was also high averages from Krzysztof Ratajski (102), Dirk van Duijvenbode (101) and top seed Dave Chisnall also prevailed 6-2 over Tony Martinez.
Those to fall early only saw Joe Cullen out of the top sixteen out, while Jules van Dongen couldn't continue his form today losing out to Danny Noppert 6-1.