Van Gerwen and Wright stunned in Players Championship 1 opener
The opening round of Players Championship 1 is underway with Michael van Gerwen and Peter Wright among a handful of big names to suffer an early exit.
World number three Van Gerwen played out an entertaining encounter against Dutch compatriot Geert Nentjes, who claimed a 6-5 scalp at the Barnsley Metrodome.
Meanwhile, Welshman Wright was shocked by Steve Beaton with 'The Bronzed Adonis' earning an impressive 6-2 win after averaging 103.
There was also disappointment for Joe Cullen in his opener, narrowly losing to fellow Englishman Jamie Hughes, while Jose de Sousa was ousted by Michael Mansell.
Elsewhere, there were victories for Luke Humphries, Rob Cross, Jonny Clayton, Nathan Aspinall, Danny Noppert and Dirk van Duijvenbode.
Northern Irish talent Josh Rock swept through his match with Shaun Wilkinson to set up a second-round fixture against James Wilson.
