Premier League Darts: Peter Wright Wins Opening Night

World Champion Peter Wright defeated defending champion Johnny Clayton 6-1 in the final, earning himself five points in the table and a staggering £10,000.

For the first time ever there is a new format to the Premier League. Eight players will compete in a knockout tournament each night, which replaces the old round robin style system.

The winner of each night earns five points, three points for the runner-up and two for the semi-finalists.

It will culminate in Newcastle on the very last week with the top four players in the league competing in a knockout play-off.

Home town hero Johnny Clayton defeated Joe Cullen 6-2 earlier in the night, before going on to secure his place in the final by defeating James Wade 6-5 in the semi's in what was probably match of the night.

It was a disappointing night for former World Champion and Welshman Gerwyn Price who crashed out in the quarters after a 6-3 loss to James Wade

'Mighty' Michael van Gerwen is also struggling for form as of late. He fell short against Gary Anderson in a 6-4 defeat.

Peter Wright secured his place to the final by defeating Michael Smith in what was a rematch of the World Championship final. Wright defeated Smith 6-3 and went on to beat Gary Anderson 6-5, in an all-Scottish semi-final.

Results:

Quarter-finals

Jonny Clayton 6-2 Joe Cullen

Gerwyn Price 3-6 James Wade

Peter Wright 6-3 Michael Smith

Gary Anderson 6-4 Michael van Gerwen

Semi-finals

Jonny Clayton 6-5 James Wade

Peter Wright 6-5 Gary Anderson

Final

Jonny Clayton 1-6 Peter Wright