MARK Cox and Chris Aubrey both picked up good prize money from the latest round of Players Championship events in Wigan.

Cox still has an outside chance of making December’s World Championship at Alexandra Palace and did his cause no harm by picking up £1,000 over the two days.

The Swindon man beat Matthew Dennant and Steve Hine on his way to round three on Saturday, where he lost 6-0 to Kevin McDine, and his run yesterday was ended at the same stage by Bernd Roith as he picked up £500 on both days.

Aubrey beat Prikash Jiwa on day one before losing to Alex Roy in round two for which he earned £250, before wins over Scott Pearson and Gino Vos earned him a third round meeting with Steve Beaton. Aubrey lost 6-1 but still had done enough to claim £500 of prize money which made it £750 for the weekend.

Dennis Smith’s weekend started well as he beat Mark Hylton 6-2 in round one on Saturday afternoon but his run was quickly ended by Pete Dyos, although he did earn £250. Things didn’t go so well yesterday, though, as defeat to Mick todd meant he left with nothing.

Johnny Haines, who is bidding to preserve his PDC tour card, failed to pick up any prize money after losing Richie Burnett and Dan Russell in round one on either day.

The Swindon players are qualifying action in Wigan again today as they bid to earn a place in the Grand Slam of Darts.