Wayne Jones out of World Matchplay

Wayne Jones' hopes of going to the World Matchplay are over after another first round defeat saw him run out of time to reclaim his place in the top 16.

Jones was left 18th in the PDC Order of Merit after his exit and only the top 16 will go to the PDC's next televised knockout tournament on Sky Sports.

'The Wanderer' lost 6-3 to Michael van Gerwen and went out of the PDC's third European Tour event at the Maritim Hotel in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The Wednesfield darter took just three legs today despite averaging 100.77 over the match and banked the obligatory £200 for playing.

The Order of Merit is based on prize winnings and three straight tournament defeats in the opening match have cost Jones dearly.

With no more non-televised 'floor' events before the Matchplay, Jones can only sit and watch as he loses more by not being there.

The 47-year-old would have been guaranteed £4,000 just for playing at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in two weeks time.