Thornton withdraws, Wade plays twice
Thursday 11 February 2016 18:40, UK
Reigning champion Gary Anderson has been handed another showdown with world No 1 Michael van Gerwen on night two of the Premier League in Newcastle.
Anderson has recovered from a virus and makes his first appearance in the competition against Van Gerwen at the Metro Radio Arena on Thursday night, live on Sky Sports.
But Robert Thornton is the latest player to struck by the illness bug and has withdrawn from playing Michael Smith, meaning James Wade will play twice.
Opening night winners Raymond van Barneveld, Peter Wright, Adrian Lewis, James Wade and Dave Chisnall also return to action, while Phil Taylor and Michael Smith will try to get off the mark in the north east.
Smith endured a nightmare debut in the Premier League as 'Bully Boy' was on the receiving end of two one-sided defeats against Peter Wright and Adrian Lewis.
He must adjust to a new opponent at just a few hours' notice after his original opponent Thornton backed out due to illness. On a coin toss, Wade will step in for his first of two matches on Thursday and will fancy his chances of using his vast experience to vanquish Smith.
In stark contrast, Van Barneveld and Wright should be brimming with confidence after making a winning start to the new campaign.
'Barney' averaged 103.60 in his comfortable 7-2 win over old rival Taylor, while Wright completed a 121 checkout on the bullseye during his own 7-2 savaging of Smith.
Both men lacked consistency last year and this match could be an early indication of whether Van Barneveld or Wright could challenge for the title.
This match features two other players who kicked-off the Premier League schedule in style as Chisnall and Lewis recorded impressive results at the First Direct Arena.
Chisnall, who hit the most 180s in last year's Premier League, fired in three maximums in his thrashing of Thornton and Lewis cruised to a 7-2 win over the struggling Smith.
Lewis has approached the sport with renewed commitment and reached the final of the recent World Darts Championship, but could have his hands full against Chisnall in this battle of two heavy scorers.
Anderson was unable to begin the defence of his title on night one after being struck down by a virus, but has been cleared to make his return in this eagerly awaited match-up with Van Gerwen.
The Scot defeated the Dutchman in last year's Premier League final to secure silverware, but 'MVG' did exact a form of revenge by beating Anderson in the European Championship final.
Van Gerwen will be determined to make a winning response following last week's 7-4 defeat to an inspired Wade.
Taylor has swiftly hit back at his doubters after that defeat by Van Barneveld, averaging 109.6 in a 6-2 win over Van Gerwen in last weekend's UK Open Qualifier Three final.
That result was a timely reminder that 'The Power' is far from finished as he prepares to face Wade, who fired in five 180s in his own victory over Van Gerwen on night one.
Wade, who plays twice on Thursday, lost both of his meetings with Taylor in the previous campaign, but 'The Machine' ended the Stoke man's lengthy reign at the World Matchplay with a semi-final win last summer.
Watch night two of the Premier League this Thursday night, starting at 7pm on Sky Sports 1. Or watch for £6.99 without a contract, on NOW TV
