Peter Wright has boldly declared his belief that he can lift the Paddy Power World Darts Championship trophy for a third time, as he prepares to continue his campaign at Alexandra Palace on Tuesday afternoon.
The two-time World Champion faces German debutant Arno Merk for a place in round three, after both players recorded straight-sets victories in their opening matches. While Wright dispatched Women’s Series qualifier Noa-Lynn van Leuven, he was left frustrated by his own display despite an efficient showing on the doubles.
“I wanted to go up there and perform,” admitted Wright.
“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 arrives in North London following a difficult year on tour, having slipped to world number 30 and failing to reach a quarter-final in any televised ranking event in 2025. Nevertheless, Alexandra Palace has often been a stage where the Scot thrives, most notably when he halted Luke Humphries’ title defence 12 months ago.
Now, the 55-year-old is eyeing another statement run, with the prospect of a blockbuster round three showdown against long-time rival Michael van Gerwen firmly in his sights.
“I want to play Michael van Gerwen, but he’s got to win, and I’ve got to win my next game,” Wright said.
“I would love that for the TV and the crowd. I think it would be an amazing game.
“I want to beat Michael and then I want to play Gary Anderson – one of the smoothest throws in the world.
“I’ve already achieved the impossible. Yes you want to achieve it again, but these youngsters that haven’t achieved it yet, they’ve got so much fire in their belly.
“It would be the greatest achievement in my darting career if I could win a third world title, but I can’t look too far ahead, and first I’ve got to get through Arno Merk.”
With confidence undimmed and ambition intact, Wright knows his immediate focus must be on clearing his next hurdle before any dream clashes can become reality.
Source: PDC.TV
