Dave Chisnall faces Adrian Lewis as Premier League moves to Newcastle

The Morecambe ace whitewashed Robert Thornton 7-0 to kick off the event in style in Leeds last week.

Lewis however also picked up an impressive win on night one, dropping just one leg as he saw off Michael Smith as the Stoke star also topped a 100 average on a night.

Lewis, who won a UK Open Qualifier on Friday, said: “My finishing last week was fantastic.

"I'm still getting used to my new darts but I believe in my own ability and I can throw anything.

"I get a bit lazy with a lighter dart, whereas I've got to focus on every dart so that helps me a lot, mentally as well. Hopefully we'll have a great year with them as well."

Elsewhere Gary Anderson will belatedly kick off his title defence against Michael van Gerwen, the World Champion having been sidelined with a virus in Leeds.

Anderson's absence meant that debutant Michael Smith was handed a tough debut night as he took on both Peter Wright and Lewis, with the former World Youth Champion suffering a brace of defeats.

However, he is looking to bounce back when he faces reigning World Grand Prix champion Thornton.

Long-standing rivals James Wade and Phil Taylor also meet in a rematch of two previous Premier League finals, with the Stoke great having won their 2008 and 2010 deciders.

Peter Wright and Raymond van Barneveld also clash after kicking off the season with memorable wins, with the Dutchman landing seven doubles from nine attempts against Taylor as he too used a new set of darts.