Michael Smith, Dave Chisnall eliminated from Premier League

Michael Smith has bowed out of the Premier League after slipping to a 7-5 defeat to Phil Taylor on Thursday night.

The debutant competed well with the 16-time world champion and had a dart at a double in each of the final two legs, but Taylor held his nerve to hit a 124 checkout to leave Smith at the bottom of the standings.

Fellow St Helens thrower Dave Chisnall has also been eliminated after suffering a 7-5 defeat to Peter Wright, who ensured that he sits just two points off a top-four place.

Gary Anderson missed a dart at double 20 to defeat James Wade, before the left-hander took out 62 to secure a 6-6 draw.

The all-Dutch clash between Michael van Gerwen and Raymond van Barneveld also ended in a 6-6 stalemate, with Van Barneveld missing a dart to get the better of the world number one.

In the other match of the night, Adrian Lewis recorded a 7-4 victory over Robert Thornton, who remained in the tournament courtesy of Smith and Chisnall losing their respective matches.