The action continues on Sunday with Nathan Aspinall the star turn among the names in action in Group 10 - watch live coverage on the Sky Sports App from 7.30pm
Tuesday 28 April 2020 10:18, UK
Martijn Kleermaker claimed glory in Group Nine of the PDC Home Tour on Saturday night, as he topped the table on leg difference.
Michael Smith became the latest big name to be eliminated in the tournament, following in the footsteps of Peter Wright, Gerwyn Price and James Wade.
There was huge drama, as there were three possible group-winners with just one game left to play, and it was the Dutchman whose luck was in.
In the opening game of the evening, it looked to be all going swimmingly for Smith against Kleermaker. The world No 5 stormed into a 3-0 lead, and seemed to be avoiding the struggles of fellow Premier League stars Wright and Price earlier in this tournament.
However, from there the pendulum swung. The Dutchman stormed back into contention at 3-3 with checkouts of 110 and 128, and proceeded to seal a 5-3 win with five legs in succession.
The Bully Boy did not have long to wait to set the record straight. Due to Matt Clark's connectivity issues, the second tie of the evening was suspended and Smith's meeting with Harry Ward was fast-tracked.
This time, the former World Championship finalist got over the line after the game was poised at 3-3 to get himself back into contention.
Clark's WiFi signal eventually returned for his meeting with 'Big H' to resume after Smith's victory. 'Superman' got over the line with a 5-3 victory to keep pace with the leaders.
The 52-year-old's internet may have stalled, but his momentum certainly did not as he backed it up with a win over Kleermaker. The initial six throws went on throw, but a 142 checkout from the Englishman helped him on his way to a 5-3 win.
Nonetheless, 'The Dutch Giant' bounced back to beat Ward 5-2, and give himself a fighting chance of topping the group.
However, he needed a favour from Smith who took on Clark in the final tie of the night. The Bully Boy could progress himself with a 5-0 or 5-1 win, while Clark just needed four legs to secure top spot.
Smith's hopes were dashed early on, as a stunning 161 checkout from Clark made it 2-2.
Nonetheless, the St Helens thrower battled on to win 5-3, meaning it is the Netherlands man who marches on.
Jamie Lewis, Luke Woodhouse, Dave Chisnall, Geert Nentjes, Nick Kenny, Ryan Searle, Jelle Klaasen and Jonny Clayton have topped the opening groups up to this point.
All matches are the best of nine legs (first to five), and the winners of each group progress to a second phase.
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