Darts world champion Rob Cross off the mark in Premier League

World champion Rob Cross claimed his maiden Premier League win by beating 2017 runner-up Peter Wright 7-4 in Newcastle.

The former electrician endured a tough start to life in his debut campaign, losing heavily to Michael van Gerwen and Simon Whitlock.

But Cross broke his duck at the third attempt as he hit four 180s and averaged 98.46.

Van Gerwen returned to winning ways courtesy of a 7-3 triumph over Gary Anderson.

In a match of high quality, the defending champion responded to last week’s defeat to Wright in style by averaging 110.26 with a checkout percentage of 58.33 and seven maximums.

Anderson, who averaged a brilliant 110.79, had clawed his way back from 2-0 down to lead 3-2 with a stunning 170 checkout after Van Gerwen had hit seven perfect darts.

Michael Smith and Whitlock are joint top of the table having maintained their 100 per cent records in the north east.

Smith won five legs on the spin to seal a 7-2 victory over Mensur Suljovic, who remains pointless, while Whitlock saw off Raymond van Barneveld 7-4 in the final match of the evening.

Newcomers Gerwyn Price and Daryl Gurney remain without wins after the Welshman fought back from 5-1 down to secure a 6-6 draw.