AINSTY darts ace Chris Thompson saw his latest Players Championship challenge end in second round defeats to top-12 players Ronnie Baxter and Mark Walsh at Crawley.

Two-time World Championship finalist Baxter beat Thompson 6-4 after York’s Hitman had earlier overcome Ken MacNeil 6-5.

Thompson then enjoyed a 6-4 triumph over world number 31 Barrie Bates in the second tournament before succumbing to ex-UK Open finalist Walsh 6-2.