MICHAEL Smith will have a new opponent tonight after Robert Thornton pulled out of the Betway Premier League Night Two in Newcastle through illness.

It is the second bit of upheaval Smith has had after he had to play twice last week on his debut night after Gary Anderson pulled up sick.

Thornton has been laid low this week with a chest infection and has been ruled out on medical advice for the visit to the Metro Radio Arena in Newcastle, where he was due to face Smith.

Following a coin toss involving the players who were due to play in the night's final game, James Wade and Phil Taylor, Wade will now play twice in Newcastle as he faces Smith in the night's opening match.

World Grand Prix champion Thornton will now play twice in Liverpool by facing Smith in his rearranged fixture before playing Michael van Gerwen.

Betway Premier League.

Revised Fixtures.

Night Two - February 11.

Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle.

James Wade v Michael Smith.

Raymond van Barneveld v Peter Wright.

Adrian Lewis v Dave Chisnall.

Gary Anderson v Michael van Gerwen.

James Wade v Phil Taylor.

Night Eight - March 24.

Echo Arena, Liverpool.

Michael Smith v Robert Thornton.

Gary Anderson v Dave Chisnall.

Adrian Lewis v Raymond van Barneveld.

Phil Taylor v Peter Wright.

Michael van Gerwen v Robert Thornton.

Thornton has also withdrawn from the weekend's Dutch Darts Masters in Venray, with his scheduled second round opponent now receiving a bye.