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WORLD Champion Rob Cross ended Michael Smith’s unbeaten start to the 2018 Unibet Premier League, as Michael van Gerwen moved into top spot in front of 8,000 fans at the First Direct Arena in Leeds.

The season's fifth league night also saw Raymond van Barneveld and Mensur Suljovic pick up wins with Daryl Gurney and Gary Anderson sharing the spoils in their encounter.

Smith began the night at the top of the table after winning his opening four matches in his return to the Premier League, but was unable to continue his run as he came up against Cross, who had to come from 5-3 behind to seal a win which moves him up to fourth place.

Inspired finishes of 112 and 121 on the bull, in the final leg, gave Cross his third consecutive Premier League win after a slow start to the campaign.

“That bull finish at the end was massive," admitted Cross. "It’s good to have that when you really need it.

“I’m starting to feel more comfortable and relaxed now but I need to start matches quicker and not give people a start.

“I play Mensur Suljovic next week and I know I need to be better and put the pressure on throughout, not just at the end of matches.”

Reigning champion Van Gerwen moved into top spot for the first time this year as he saw off Simon Whitlock to register his fourth victory in five matches.

The world number one opened the night with the aim of putting the pressure on table-topper Smith, who sat two points clear of the Dutchman.

Despite averaging almost ten points more than his opponent throughout the match, Van Gerwen was broken twice by the Australian and needed a finish of 110 in the sixth leg to level the match.

The 28-year-old then took control of the encounter by winning four of the next five legs to secure the points, averaging 100.17.

“I had to work, it wasn’t my best performance. I played OK but I am not in my best form at the moment,” said the two-time World Champion, who was knocked out of the UK Open in round three last weekend.

“Fortunately my B-game was enough tonight against Simon and I showed character, and sometimes you need that. I’m really pleased with the two points but I know I can do better than that.”

Unibet Premier League:

Night Five - March 8, First Direct Arena, Leeds.

Michael van Gerwen 7-4 Simon Whitlock,

Gerwyn Price 5-7 Raymond van Barneveld,

Peter Wright 1-7 Mensur Suljovic,

Gary Anderson 6-6 Daryl Gurney,

Rob Cross 7-5 Michael Smith.