Wright Aims for Tears of Joy

Peter Wright was left close to tears a year ago but now aims to weep with joy on the World Grand Prix stage. Snakebite lost to Michael van Gerwen 5-2 in the final in Dublin 12 months ago and was slumped head in hands after the defeat. But the Livingston-born ace is determined to end this year’s tournament with a smile on his face with the trophy aloft. He said: “I believe I can go and win all the tournaments coming up but there's some quality players out there in my way. If you don't believe you can win then you shouldn't be playing in my opinion. “Michael and Gary Anderson are special players but I believe I'm special too. “I've got good memories from Dublin last year when I beat Mensur Suljovic in the semis. This year I've got Max Hopp first up, he's a fantastic player but in my mind I'm playing better than anyone so it doesn't bother me who I play.” A winner of the World Cup and German Darts Masters so far in 2019, Wright will begin his bid for a first title in Ireland against German number one Max Hopp on Monday night and the Scot is full of belief. He added: “Last year I started gearing my practice to the World Grand Prix in August and I got to the final so this year I've been practicing for it since July. “I've spent hours going for tops, wearing it out almost. At the moment I'm playing well, I'm hitting plenty of double-start nine-darters in practice. “To be honest it doesn't help me changing darts all the time but I'm going to use the darts I got to the final of the World Grand Prix with last year.” By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia) Photography Courtesy of Taylor Lanning (@taylorlanning11)