World number one Michael van Gerwen trounced world champion Rob Cross 7-2 as the 2018 PDC Premier League darts got under way in Dublin.

Van Gerwen produced two 11-dart legs and three 114-check-outs on his way to a 6-1 lead and although Cross reduced the deficit, went on to gain a measure of revenge for his World Championship semi-final defeat.

Northern Ireland’s Daryl Gurney missed three match darts as five-times world champion Raymond van Barneveld snatched a draw in a dramatic conclusion.

Gurney surged into a 6-3 lead from 3-2 down in his first Premier League outing, but could not hit his double in the 11th leg and the Dutchman went on to level at 6-6.

Michael Smith produced a stunning fightback to edge past Gary Anderson, reeling off six legs on the trot from 5-1 down to claim a sensational 7-5 win.

Gerwyn Price proved similarly resilient as he too fought his way back from 5-1 and 6-3 deficits to snatch a 6-6 draw with Peter Wright.

Earlier, Simon Whitlock had recovered from a difficult start to see off debutant Mensur Suljovic 7-5 in a thrilling opening contest.

Suljovic led 3-1 after check-outs of 121 and 110, but then lost four legs on the trot, the last of them to a 160 out-shot, as the Australian roared back to claim victory.