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ST HELENS darter Michael Smith remained locked with Michael van Gerwen at the top of the Unibet Premier League table after both won at the Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham on Thursday,.

Reigning Premier League champion Van Gerwen remains top on leg difference ahead of Smith following the Dutchman's 7-3 demolition of winless Gerwyn Price.

Smith bounced back to winning ways with a 7-1 romp against Peter Wright, who has been dragged into the battle to avoid elimination following a second successive heavy loss.

Smith had seen his winning start to the season ended on Night Five in Leeds, but picked up his fifth victory of the campaign in clinical style, winning six legs from seven on his favoured double tops.

The Clock Face-based thrower followed a 13-darter with a 77 finish to break, with Wright responding with a 13-darter only to miss four darts to level as Smith moved 3-1 up and then pulled clear for victory.

"I had four straight wins and then threw it away last week against Rob Cross, so I wanted to get straight back to winning ways and I've done that," said Smith.

"I started off alright but I saw Peter was struggling. I didn't perform as well as I wanted to but I won and that's the most important thing.

"I keep hitting the doubles and getting the points. I've been focusing on not getting eliminated and this is another two points towards that, so I'm pretty happy but I've still got more in the tank."

The Unibet Premier League continues on next Thursday, March 22 at The SSE Hydro in Glasgow, which will feature a top-of-the-table clash between Van Gerwen and Smith amongst the five matches on the seventh league night.

Unibet Premier League, Night Seven - March 15.

Motorpoint Arena, Nottingham.

Michael Smith 7-1 Peter Wright.

Simon Whitlock 6-6 Daryl Gurney.

Mensur Suljovic 2-7 Rob Cross.

Gerwyn Price 3-7 Michael van Gerwen.

Raymond van Barneveld 6-6 Gary Anderson.