Rob Cross stormed to the top of the Premier League table with an 8-1 dismantling of bottom-placed Michael Smith on night 14 in Manchester.
The former world champion averaged 102.54, threw five maximums and had a 57.14 checkout percentage in another impressive display.
The win moved Cross one point clear of defending champion Michael Van Gerwen, who suffered the third defeat of an inconsistent campaign by his own high standards.
Daryl Gurney secured his third consecutive win over the Dutchman, claiming an 8-5 victory to stay one point off the top four.
The Northern Irishman also became only the second player to complete the double over Van Gerwen in this tournament.
James Wade preserved third place with an impressive 8-4 win over Gerwyn Price.
'The Machine' never looked like surrendering the lead after moving 3-0 up, with Price opting not to shake hands before walking off the oche at the end.
Mensur Suljovic occupies the final play-off spot following an 8-6 triumph over struggling Peter Wright, who is winless in nine matches.
The 47-year-old started with a 144 checkout and, despite leading 3-0 and 5-1, was forced to hold off a late fightback to claim his eighth win in his last nine games against Wright.
