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.

World Champion Anderson had been due to kick off the new Premier League season against Adrian Lewis in Leeds.

Anderson fell ill on Wednesday and, following medical consultation with a doctor on Thursday, he has been diagnosed as displaying symptoms of having a viral upper respiratory tract infection.

After coin toss between Peter Wright and Michael Smith, who play in the evening's first match, it was determined that Smith would play a second fixture against Lewis later in the evening to complete five scheduled matches.

"I'm desperately disappointed that I can't play in Leeds this evening but the truth is that I feel absolutely terrible and I would not have been able to get on stage," said Anderson.

"I was really looking forward to tonight and to playing Adrian but I hope that the fans in Leeds can still enjoy a great night."

Anderson's game with Lewis will be rescheduled and revised fixtures will be announced in due course.

2016 Betway Premier League Night One, First Direct Arena, Leeds Revised Fixtures Peter Wright v Michael Smith Michael van Gerwen v James Wade Phil Taylor v Raymond van Barneveld Robert Thornton v Dave Chisnall Adrian Lewis v Michael Smith