 Drawn against Jeffrey de Zwaan, he lost 8–10 with a 96 average.This was the first time since 2012 he exited before the quarter final stage at the tournament, and the first time he lost his first match of a televised tournament since the World Grand Prix the year prior.After sitting out both Players Championship 3 and Players Championship 4, he returned to form with his third Players Championship of the year, and sixth 2018 title overall, with a 6–2 victory over Chris Dobey in Players Championship 5.