How the Premier League Darts unfolded in Exeter

Smith and Suljovic claimed their first wins of the campaign at the Westpoint Arena

By Josh Gorton

A round-up of all the action from week four of the Premier League Darts

The Premier League drama continued on Night Four in Exeter, as Michael van Gerwen was beaten, while Michael Smith and Mensur Suljovic claimed their first wins of the season.

Van Gerwen was bidding to win the opening four games of a Premier League campaign for the first time, but he was denied by James Wade, while last year's finalist Smith moved off the bottom of the table with victory over Raymond van Barneveld.

Mensur Suljovic also claimed his first win of the season with victory over Peter Wright, while Rob Cross thrashed Daryl Gurney, and Luke Humphries and Gerwyn Price played out a thrilling draw in the night's opener.

The Results

Luke Humphries 6-6 Gerwyn Price
Daryl Gurney 1-7 Rob Cross
Mensur Suljovic 7-4 Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen 3-7 James Wade
Michael Smith 7-4 Raymond van Barneveld

The best checkout

Luke Humphries produced an inspired 161 finish against Gerwyn Price in the Premier League in Exeter

Luke Humphries produced the highest finish of the evening, taking out a magnificent 161 checkout on the bull as he shared the spoils with Gerwyn Price in a thrilling contest.

The contenders remain without a victory so far this season, but Humphries acquitted himself superbly against the Grand Slam champion, averaging over 101 on his Premier League debut.

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Moment of the night

Gerwyn Price just missed the double 12 to grab the first Premier League nine-darter of the season

We've seen a record amount of nine-darters hit on the PDC circuit in February, and Gerwyn Price came within a whisker of landing the first Premier League nine-darter for almost two years.

Wonderful Wade

James Wade became the first player to beat Michael van Gerwen in the Premier League this season, recording a 7-3 win over MVG

James Wade deserves a special mention. The nine-time major winner defeated Raymond van Barneveld on the tournament's opening night in Newcastle and it was a case of Double Dutch for 'The Machine', who claimed the scalp of Michael van Gerwen at the Westpoint Arena.

Also See:

Tweet of the Night

As it stands

There's just two points separating the top seven after Van Gerwen slipped to defeat against Wade. The race for the top four and battle to avoid elimination could go down to the wire.

The Premier League roadshow rolls into Aberdeen next week, as Michael van Gerwen bids to bounce back when he takes on former World Grand Prix semi-finalist John Henderson, who becomes the fifth contender to enter the fray.

What comes next? Night Five - Thursday, March 7 at the BHGE Arena, Aberdeen

Michael Smith vs Rob Cross
Daryl Gurney vs James Wade
Mensur Suljovic vs Gerwyn Price
Raymond van Barneveld vs Peter Wright
Michael van Gerwen vs John Henderson

The Premier League heads to the BHGE Arena in Aberdeen on Thursday, March 7. You can also stay up to date with all the action by following us @SkySportsDarts and get all the latest news, previews and interviews www.skysports.com/darts

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