PHIL TAYLOR ended an almost nine-month wait for a PDC ranking title with a stunning final victory against Michael van Gerwen at Coral UK Open Qualifier Three in Wigan on Sunday.

MICHAEL VAN GERWEN triumphed in Coral UK Open Qualifier Two at Wigan's Robin Park Tennis Centre after defeating Alan Norris in Saturday's final.

ADRIAN LEWIS took victory in the first PDC ProTour event of 2016 as he defeated Phil Taylor with a 110 average in Friday's final to win Coral UK Open Qualifier One at Robin Park Tennis Centre in Wigan, while Mark Dudbridge produced a brilliant nine-darter.

DAVE CHISNALL kicked off the Betway Premier League season with a superb whitewash of Robert Thornton in Leeds on Thursday as reigning champion Gary Anderson missed the league's opening night through illness.

REIGNING Betway Premier League champion Gary Anderson will miss Thursday's opening night in Leeds after being ruled out through illness, with Michael Smith to play twice at the First Direct Arena.

PETER WRIGHT and Robert Thornton warmed up for the start of the Betway Premier League season at the First Direct Arena with a visit to Leeds Rhinos.

GARY ANDERSON will kick off his defence of the Betway Premier League title by locking horns with Adrian Lewis as the season begins at the First Direct Arena in Leeds on Thursday.

DAVE CHISNALL has praised the inclusion of Michael Smith in the 2016 Betway Premier League - admitting that he tipped the youngster for the top almost a decade ago.

A FURTHER 11 players won places in the Coral UK Open on the second weekend of the Rileys Amateur Qualifiers.

A RECORD prize fund of £725,000 will be on offer in the 2016 Betway Premier League following the introduction of a £25,000 League Leader's Bonus.