Premier League Darts: Daryl Gurney wins on Belfast homecoming

It was Gurney's second consecutive win in his debut season in the Premier League

Northern Ireland's Daryl Gurney defeated PDC world champion Rob Cross in Belfast to end any chance of early elimination from the Premier League.

Gurney thrilled the home support as he recovered from 3-1 behind to win 7-5.

Michael van Gerwen maintained his two-point lead at the top of the league after beating Raymond van Barneveld.

Michael Smith eliminated Gerwyn Price with a 7-2 victory over the Welshman, who will end his Premier League campaign in Liverpool on 5 April.

Either Mensur Suljovic or Peter Wright will also exit the competition after the ninth round of fixtures. Suljovic faces world number one Van Gerwen and needs to better Wright's result against Gurney to remain in the tournament.

Smith's win took him briefly level with Van Gerwen at the summit, but the Dutchman quickly restored his advantage with a 7-2 defeat of his compatriot Van Barneveld.

Gary Anderson extended his unbeaten run with a 7-5 victory against Suljovic, while the match between Wright and Simon Whitlock finished in a draw.

Round eight results

Mensur Suljovic 5-7 Gary Anderson

Michael Smith 7-2 Gerwyn Price

Raymond van Barneveld 2-7 Michael van Gerwen

Daryl Gurney 7-5 Rob Cross

Simon Whitlock 6-6 Peter Wright