Michael Smith falls at first hurdle at Players Championship

World champion Michael Smith crashed out of the Cazoo Players Championship in the first round after suffering a shock defeat to Richard Veenstra.

Smith, who missed double 12 for a nine-dart finish in the fourth leg, averaged just 85.35 and had a highest checkout of 36 in a worryingly off-colour performance just weeks ahead of the defence of his world title.

World number 83 Veenstra missed five match darts before eventually taking out double 20 to seal a fully-deserved 6-3 victory in Minehead.

Ireland's Steve Lennon was an impressive 6-3 winner over UK Open champion Andrew Gilding, while Josh Rock and Brendan Dolan also advanced, but Daryl Gurney, Mickey Mansell, Dylan Slevin and Willie O'Connor all exited the event.