World champion Peter Wright thrashed Michael van Gerwen on night 13 of the Unibet Premier League, while table-topper Glen Durrant rescued a draw against Michael Smith.
Snakebite is up into the play-off places after defeating defending title-holder Van Gerwen 8-1 at Milton Keynes’ Marshall Arena, with the Dutchman slipping out, now lying fifth.
Despite the win, Wright suggested better was yet to come after ending a run of three straight losses.
"I'm happy with the win, but to be honest I didn't feel like I played that well," admitted Wright.
"I was struggling with my contact lenses up there, everything seemed really blurred under the pressure.
The 50-year-old also discussed Van Gerwen's dip in form when asked by the media.
"Michael didn't play how he normally does and we were both waiting for each other to get going," Wright continued.
"He isn’t having the best time at the moment, but he is the best in the world and I’m sure that he will come back fighting when he faces Glen tomorrow night.
"The fireworks never came, there were just little sparklers instead tonight but there is more to come from both of us and I expect us both to be in the play-offs."
Earlier, Smith had looked set for victory before Durrant came back from 7-2 down to level their match at 7-7.
Durrant is now three points clear of second-placed Gary Anderson, who emerged with an 8-6 victory from a fine contest against Daryl Gurney which saw them produce 12 180s between them.
Nathan Aspinall is up to third after beating Gerwyn Price 8-6 in Wednesday evening’s final match.
There are three more nights of league phase action to play.
