Michael Van Gerwen's quest for a fourth consecutive Premier League title started with a 7-5 win over Michael Smith in Newcastle.
With a back injury forcing Gary Anderson to withdraw from the tournament earlier this week, Smith was seen as Van Gerwen's closest challenger.
Smith had a year to remember in 2018, reaching the Premier League and World Championship finals, but was beaten on both occasions by Van Gerwen.
CRACKING GAME | Michael van Gerwen beats Michael Smith 7-5 with a 105 match average. 💚#Unibet180 pic.twitter.com/NnDHLwBUsi — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) February 7, 2019
And the world number one continued his recent dominance over Smith on the opening night of the new campaign, averaging 104.98 and hitting five 180s.
The Dutchman was forced to hold off some strong resistance from the 29-year-old, who had fought back from 4-2 down to give himself a sniff of claiming a draw in the deciding leg.
Raymond Van Barneveld's final Premier League campaign before retirement started with a 7-4 defeat to the in-form James Wade, who was beaten by Van Gerwen in the final of the Masters last weekend.
Not the start of the Premier League I was hoping for but I knew I have to find my rhythm. This is a marathon not a sprint so next up Pro Tours to play more matches and then focus back on Glasgow !! Thanks for your support Newcastle !! I cherish all the memories we share ❤️🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/mDl71zlddY — Raymond v Barneveld (@Raybar180) February 7, 2019
Chris Dobey, the first 'contender' to replace Anderson this campaign, blew a 5-1 lead before holding his nerve at the death to salvage a 6-6 draw with Mensur Suljovic.
Gerwyn Price secured his first-ever Premier League win in his second campaign, beating Daryl Gurney 7-4 with a 104 average, while Rob Cross sealed a 6-6 draw with Peter Wright in the final match of the night.
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