Announcements

DAVE Chisnall was a headline winner in Amsterdam on day one of the Jack’s Casino World Series of Darts Finals, defeating Simon Whitlock 6-4.

The St Helens darter will face European Championship winner Rob Cross in round two and is relishing the challenge.

“I fancy beating Rob. I’m feeling pretty confident at the moment I just need to start finding the doubles," he said.

“I played really well last weekend but just made some mistakes on the final day. Rob is a great player but I’m ready for him.”

Gerwyn Price set up a tantalising second round clash with Michael van Gerwen after beating Michael Smith 6-3.

The European Championship runner-up averaged 101.86 in front of a bumper crowd at the AFAS Live in Amsterdam and had too much for his English opponent on the night.

The match began with Price taking a 3-1 lead, which included a 142 finish, before Smith went on to level at 3-3.

The Welshman then regained control, breaking in the eighth leg of the match and eventually going on to win the match with a 52 finish.

“Michael (Smith) used to be a bit of a bogey player for me but I do like playing him. He is quick and doesn’t mess about and now I feel confident playing against him.

“After last week I’ve just decided to go out and try and enjoy myself and I’ll be doing that against MVG. It’s not the end of the world if I lose and I’ve had some great games against him and I’m going to give my all.”

Raymond van Barneveld’s final competitive tournament in Holland will commence tonight when he takes on his fellow countryman Jermaine Wattimena.

Wattimena secured his spot in round two with a 6-4 win over Gabriel Clemens, with the Dutchman taking out 111 to claim the win.

“It will be a pleasure to play Raymond, the atmosphere should be incredible,” said Wattimena.

“I really wanted to win today so I was very happy when I hit the double for the 111 finish.”

The Jack’s Casino World Series of Darts Finals will continue tonight with the eight seeded players from the World Series Order of Merit making their entrances, as the last 16 players battle out for a place in the quarter-finals.

The tournament will be broadcast live on ITV4.

First Round x8

Jonny Clayton 6-4 Wayne Jones

Ian White 6-5 Ricky Evans

Mensur Suljovic 6-1 Kyle Anderson

Krzysztof Ratajski 6-5 Nathan Aspinall

Gerwyn Price 6-3 Michael Smith

Dave Chisnall 6-4 Simon Whitlock

Danny Noppert 6-3 Jeffrey de Zwaan

Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 Gabriel Clemens

Tonight, Saturday (2000 local time, 1900 GMT)

Second Round x8

James Wade v Jonny Clayton

Damon Heta v Mensur Suljovic

Daryl Gurney v Krzysztof Ratajski

Michael van Gerwen v Gerwyn Price

Peter Wright v Ian White

Gary Anderson v Danny Noppert

Raymond van Barneveld v Jermaine Wattimena

Rob Cross v Dave Chisnall