Peter Wright knocked Wesley Plaisier out of the World Darts Championships on Tuesday evening, but it was not all plain sailing for the two-time world champion
Darts legend Peter Wright has confidently strutted into the third round of the World Championships, delivering a stunning knockout in his second-round clash with Wesley Plaisier from the Netherlands courtesy of a show-stopping 127 checkout on the bullseye. Nearing his half-century birthday, ‘Snakebite’ Wright, who snagged his first world championship title in January 2020 against Michael van Gerwen and claimed his second after besting Michael Smith in 2022, appears to be rediscovering his top form, despite entering this year’s contest ranked 17th in the PDC Order of Merit.
Yet, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for Wright as his recent performances have dropped off compared to years past. Meanwhile, Plaisier has been dominating the PDC’s Challenge Tour and secured himself entry to the big league upon winning his nail-biting opening match against Japan’s Ryusei Azemoto.
This outstanding streak has also earned Plaisier a two-year card for the PDC’s main circuit once he wraps up at the World Championship, according to a BBC report.
READ MORE: How darts went mainstream – from Fallon Sherrock to Luke Littler and Prince Harry
Commenting on the gripping encounter, Laura Turner, former women’s World Championship quarter-finalist now turned Sky Sports pundit, remarked: “Peter Wright might be able to take some heart from the fact that Wesley Plaisier, when he came out the other day, we were expecting big things from him and he really took a long time in that match to get going.”
“If the same thing happens again, Peter could quite easily see him off. I’m hoping that now Wesley has played on that big stage, he’ll be a bit more settled because he was very nervous.”
However, it was not to be for Wesley as two-time world champion Peter did indeed see him off, reports the Daily Star.
Adorned in an almost entirely purple ensemble, with his signature mullet to match, Peter Wright dazzled with a yuletide twist on stage.
His outfit featured a bold Father Christmas belt and a cheeky snake sporting a Santa hat on the back.
Despite a shaky start, Wright quickly found his groove, nailing a 180 early on to hold throw, even though his 124 checkout swiftly came to an end.
Wesley Plaisier reclaimed the lead with a pinpoint double top, but Wright wasn’t deterred, hammering home a second 180 to dominate another leg.
Wright’s accurate double four shot secured the opening set.
At precisely 10.40pm on Tuesday, December 17, Peter Wright scored 125, leaving double top and heaping pressure on Wesley Plaisier’s 104, setting up his winning double.
Wesley narrowly missed another high finish while Wright clinically executed a 100 checkout in just two darts, capitalising on Plaisier’s missed doubles which became his Achilles heel in this encounter.
It wasn’t a breeze for Peter Wright, who bungled 56 in the third set, giving Wesley Harms an unexpected break and momentum. A spectacular 136 finish then allowed Harms to snatch the third set swiftly, a remarkable turnaround for the darts whiz who was trailing by two sets just minutes earlier.
Despite nearly balancing the scales, Wright held his ground and nailed a sensational 127 on the bullseye, sealing the victory with a decisive dart at double six. An expression of sheer elation roared from him – a fitting response to his triumph.
Wesley Plaisier’s performance didn’t go unnoticed, as he showcased talents that stamp him as one to keep an eye on. After wrapping up the match, Wright acknowledged his gratitude towards the crowd in a Sky Sports interview: “It was this crowd that got me through, they wanted me to win. I thank you all. They got me through.”
He reflected on Plaisier’s game, noting: “Wesley had his chances but he missed them and I took them. He’s got his tour card and he’s going to be a dangerous player next year for all the players playing against him.”
Looking ahead, Wright is set to face Jermaine Wattimena, who bested James Wade, in the post-Christmas phase of the tournament.
