GERWYN Price thrashed reigning world champion Peter Wright 7-1 to kick-start his Unibet Premier League campaign in Dublin.

The victory over Scotland’s Wright was a first of the competition for Markham’s Price following three successive draws.

The rivals, who clashed in a heat world championship semi-final at the end of last year, shared the opening two legs before the Welsh ace reeled off six in a row, including a 10-darter.

"It's a very good win for me," said Price, who is now up to third in the table.

"I've had three draws so it's nice to get the win and get my campaign under way, and I feel like I'm in the tournament now.

"I was a bit edgy and I wasn't at my best, but I'll take a 7-1 win over Peter any day of the week.

“Peter wasn't scoring well and didn't perform, but he will come back from this."

Price now turns his attentions to this weekend’s Belgian Darts Championship in Hasselt.

As well as a win for Price, the Dublin leg of this year’s Premier League also saw Michael Smith celebrate his first televised nine-dart finish.

Smith followed up two 180s with a sublime 141 checkout to bring 9,000 fans to their feet at a sell-out 3Arena – it was the Premier League's first perfect leg for almost three years.

The moment of magic came in the fourth leg of a tight contest against Daryl Gurney, one which Smith took 7-5 after trailing 5-4.

"It's a feeling you can't explain – it's amazing," said Smith. "I've never hit a nine-darter on TV before and this was special. I've never felt my heart beat so fast in my life!

"It's something on my list that I've ticked off now and I'm over the moon, but even more pleased to get the win too. I could have played better but I'm chuffed to get the win."

Smith has now put himself in pole position in the race to claim a £50,000 bonus from sponsors Unibet should a player achieve two nine-darters during the 2020 season.

Smith’s was the first in the event since Adrian Lewis in April 2017.

Smith is one of five players sat on five points in a congested league table, one behind reigning champion Michael van Gerwen and Nathan Aspinall, who both enjoyed wins in Dublin.

Van Gerwen denied Challenger William O'Connor a victory in front of his home fans with a 7-4 success to return to the top of the standings on leg difference ahead of Aspinall.

"It was a phenomenal atmosphere and for William it was like my first time playing in Rotterdam," said van Gerwen.

"I've had a lot of good games against him in the past and he played okay. It was tough for me and I had to fight for this win so I'm happy.

"There's more in the tank but I feel good and it's nice to be back on top of the table."

Aspinall jumped above Glen Durrant in the table with a 7-5 win in their contest.

Durrant took out 144 on the way to a 3-1 advantage, and led 4-3, before Aspinall prevailed.

Gary Anderson picked up his second victory of the season by seeing off Rob Cross 7-5, jumping above the 2019 finalist in the process.

The Premier League season continues in Exeter next Thursday, with Price facing Durrant.