Chickens Could Inspire Wright to glory.. Yes Chickens!
Chickens could be the inspiration to the next Betfred World Matchplay winner. Yes chickens.
If a burin is engraving the name Peter Wright for the first time into that famous old trophy in a week’s time, it may be down to his cluckin’ chums.
Wrighty is very much Jekyll and Hyde. Quiet, unassuming, charming off the oche. Yet the ultimate dazzling, dancing showman the minute the lights, camera, action and “Get The Party Started” blares out into any arena.
Now the man with the multi-coloured mohican might just be motivated by keeping an ever-growing family of chickens. It’s how he switches off from the pressure of the daily darting drama.
Snakebite and wife Jo will turn up in Blackpool with more eggs than Easter at Asda for their pals on the circuit who swear by the best yokes in the UK.
However, he could well leave his rivals scrambled and exit Blackpool with the most extravagant egg cup of all.
Wright is bang on form. Three titles in a week and kicks off his Matchplay bid against Vincent van der Voort as one of the favourites.
If this engaging guy stops changing his arrows like his hair colours, he’s got the game to hatch another big win.
Blackpool will certainly be rocking right from the off.
The game is enjoying a surge in exciting new talent, epitomised by the opening two encounters including Nathan Aspinall and Gerwyn Price.
There’s little doubt The Iceman Price, who faces Stephen Bunting, has been one of the success stories of the past year. Emerging from a huge amount of controversy and boos to show mettle and mental strength to match his bulging biceps.
Aspinall, who takes on Mervyn King, has risen from Stockport with style. A cheeky smile, tons of tatts but darting stats to die for. What a half a year, World Championship semi-final, UK Open winner and World Series victory in Las Vegas.
If Blackpool is the Vegas of blighty, The Asp could get that trophy in his grasp.
There’s also other new contenders. Glen Durrant and Jamie Hughes have been around a while but not at the Winter Gardens before. Don’t rule out these seasoned campaigners, both of whom produced plus class to get to this Blackpool showpiece.
Durrant against Adrian Lewis is definitely the tie of the first round.
And what about the so-called old guard?
It’s hard to believe that Rob Cross has still only been around for three years. But he’s showing signs of the ice-coolness that brought him the World Championship title only 18 months ago. Voltage faces a tricky opener against fab Tyne titan Chris Dobey.
Gary Anderson looks like he’s been showered in Shake ’n’ Vac. A few months off with injury, two stone less, and the freshness is well and truly back. He will take some stopping by Danny Noppert, a Dutchman with real class.
Daryl Gurney is always overlooked but seldom underplays and James Wade has been in his best form for years while Michael Smith is going to win a major at some stage before he becomes a superstar of the sport.
Watch out for the dark horses. Jonny Clayton, John Henderson and Krzysztof Ratajski are all very capable of raising a few eyebrows.
Of course though, the man to beat is Michael van Gerwen. He’s not been at his most unstoppable but he knows when to find top gear in the big majors.
But perhaps, this time, Wrighty’s major hopes are coming home to roost…
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)