Michael van Gerwen extended his lead at the top of the Premier League with an emphatic display on a night when tributes were paid to Eric Bristow.
A minute’s applause took place ahead of the action in Sheffield in memory of former five-time world champion Bristow, who died of a heart attack last week at the age of 60.
A brilliant minute's applause to Eric Bristow MBE here in Sheffield! 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/pxPrPrnfRA
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 12, 2018
Players past and present lined up on the stage as the crowd sang ‘There is only one Eric Bristow’ in emotional scenes.
Van Gerwen took advantage of nearest challenger Michael Smith losing to Rob Cross by hammering Simon Whitlock 7-1 and moving four points clear at the summit.
When you absolutely LOVE the darts 👀#LoveTheDarts #Unibet180 pic.twitter.com/vLatBSJX2g
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 12, 2018
World champion Cross beat Smith for a second time this campaign, averaging 106.26 in a 7-5 victory which moved him joint-second with his opponent.
Daryl Gurney and Gary Anderson bolstered their top-four aspirations with victories over Raymond van Barneveld and Peter Wright respectively.
A few sleepless nights since Daryl Junior was born a week ago and I’ve had no practice.It’s great looking after my wee boy and helping Aine. But that was a big win for me.Just pleased to get the job done and go for the top four place.Thanks for all the messages 👍 pic.twitter.com/t6c4dI7Gsw
— Daryl Gurney (@Superchin180) April 12, 2018
Gurney extended his unbeaten streak to six matches, beating the struggling Dutchman 7-3, while Anderson won the battle of the Scots with a 7-2 trouncing of Wright.
Wright redeemed himself in the final match of the evening, heaping more misery on Van Barneveld with a 7-2 win.
Peter Wright's brilliant tribute to Eric Bristow tonight!
Class stuff @snakebitewright 👏 pic.twitter.com/v85OiVvFUi
— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) April 12, 2018