Whitlock, a semi-finalist last week in the World Matchplay, continued his good form to see off Priestley with a near-100 average and hitting five maximums.

Smith, opening up the tournament against January's Players Championship Finals winner, bounced back from a first round exit in the World Matchplay in style to move into the last 16.

The tournament will open when Paul Nicholson, January's Players Championship Finals winner, faces Andy Smith - who had minor surgery on a leg injury a week ago but has previously won a Players Champio

The winner this year was Phil Taylor who defeated Australia’s own Simon Whitlock 7 Sets to 4.

Taylor picked up his third successive Blackpool win and a £100,000 cheque with a thrilling performance to see off the Dutchman, who played his part in a superb final.

The American found herself 5-3 down in a race to six legs at the Winter Gardens, but showed her fighting spirit to battle back and claim the £10,000 first prize.

Taylor, the reigning champion in the £400,000 event, continued his charge towards another title with a thrilling win over the Australian.

Dartplayers Australia are now accepting entries for both the oceanic masters qualifiers and Australian open direct buy ins.this includes the DPA Double Header Event on Friday 20th August and Saturday

Klaasen held his own with some superb finishing in the early stages, but a run of nine successive legs from the Australian saw him streak away to victory at the Winter Gardens.