Raymond van Barneveld continued his impressive start in the McCoy’s Premier League with victory over Wes Newton in Aberdeen, while Michael van Gerwen and Robert Thornton played out an exciting draw to remain unbeaten after the first two weeks.

‘Barney’ averaged over 100 for the second consecutive week as he cruised to a 7-2 victory over Wes Newton.

van Gerwen and Thornton grabbed a point each in a high quality affair, which saw all twelve legs go with the throw.

There was disappointment for James Wade and Simon Whitlock however, as they lost out to Andy Hamilton and Gary Anderson respectively.

Phil Taylor defeated his World Cup team-mate Adrian Lewis in the night’s other match.

Week three sees the tournament reach Bournemouth, where van Gerwen and van Barneveld will do battle next Thursday.

Thornton faces Wes Newton, while Whitlock takes on Taylor.

Wade is up against Lewis.

By Chris Murphy

See some of the stars of Premier League Darts at THE BENFIELD NISSAN MASTERS, Sunderland – Tickets from £20

James Wade, Simon Whitlock and Raymond van Barneveld all got off to winning starts in the McCoy’s Premier League, while Robert Thornton and Michael van Gerwen both made impressive debuts at Belfast’s Odyssey Arena on Thursday evening.

Wade made Wes Newton pay for missed doubles as ‘The Machine’ took a commanding 7-4 triumph.

Whitlock’s superior finishing saw him defeat Adrian Lewis 7-3, while Thornton enjoyed a 7-5 win over Andy Hamilton.

van Barneveld posted the night’s highest average (102.02) in his 7-4 success over Gary Anderson.

van Gerwen looked like he might add his name to the winners list when he led Phil Taylor 6-4 but ‘The Power’ fought back to grab a draw.

Full reports available on the players’ official websites (click on names to be redirected).

By Chris Murphy