Peter Wright left red-faced as Scotsman crashed out of World Championship after claiming ‘I’m going to win’
Peter Wright has crashed out of the World Darts Championship after claiming he was definitely going to win the tournament.
The two-time champion was dressed in a Santa outfit, but there was no festive cheer on show as Arno Merk ensured he would not be returning to Alexandra Palace after Christmas.
Wright was instead left red-faced after the German won 3-0.
Merk, on debut, was full value for the win, but it denied the mouth-watering possibility of a third-round clash between Wright and Michael van Gerwen, a repeat of the 2020 final.
The pair had been involved in an exchange of words last week.
Wright said Van Gerwen’s eyesight had been faltering, with the Dutchman responding by suggesting the women he has been dating shows his eyes are just fine.
Van Gerwen remains at the top of the sport, and is a contender for the title, but Wright’s name is no longer in that conversation after a dreadful performance where he averaged just 79.20.
Merk said on stage: “I am stunned, I can’t believe it, I just beat a legend, I am so happy.”
Peter Wright has crashed out of the World Darts Championship after claiming he was definitely going to win the tournament
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He added: “I am early in my work, so I am really happy.
“It means everything. I am so proud to make my family proud.
“If I play like this I can be dangerous for anybody.”
Wright previously lifted the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy in 2019/2020 and 2021/22, respectively.
Wright was left red-faced after the German won 3-0
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Speaking on this years competition, Wright said: “I wanted to go up there and perform.
“When you’re playing brilliantly in practice, you feel unbeatable.
“You say to yourself: ‘Why is it not happening up there?’ It’s crazy. I can’t explain it.
“I know that best version of myself is still there. That’s why I’m still here. I know I’m going to win it.”
Wright previously lifted the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy in 2019/2020 and 2021/22
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GETTY
There were some entertaining matches earlier in the afternoon.
Jermaine Wattimena won a final-set decider against Scott Williams, having seen his opponent come from 2-0 down to draw level.
Callan Rydz loves Ally Pally and last year’s quarter-finalist won a classic against Daryl Gurney, also winning in the final set.
Ryan Meikle kicked off the day with a fine comeback, recovering from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Jonny Tata.
