Wright Buzzing After Another Bug Win
PETER WRIGHT was buzzing after roaring through to the last 32 of the PDC Home Tour despite being “frightened” by a bug.
The World Champion defied the insect putting him off his throw to crucially beat Krzysztof Ratajski 5-4 in the vital match on Monday night.
Snakebite also beat Adam Hunt 5-2 and went through on leg difference after losing out to Justin Pipe in the final clash.
But Wright, who hit 10 180s, now believes he can go all the way and win the lockdown online streaming event.
Wright said: “I had about one and a half day’s practice and I felt really good. I think I’ve only thrown about 12 darts recently because I’ve got so many jobs to do around the house!
“Last time on the opening night of the Home Tour it was a bit of a shock and a bit weird to be playing online. But I felt better this time.
“I’m still using the same darts from the World Championships, just changed the points. I was looking forward to playing Krzysztof Ratajski because I got my record average against him last year, I wanted to do that again.
“The bug flew in the way just as I was going for a treble 20 and it frightened me and the dart went in the treble 18!
“Adam Hunt also showed ho good he is by beating Krzysztof. I’m glad to get the second chance to play in it and get through to the last 32.
“Adam did a great job, it was hard work to beat him. We had a scrappy leg but I pinched that one and that was crucial. Swings and roundabouts, happy to be in the next phase.”
World No.2 Wright is now the top seeded player in the last 32 which kicks off in a week’s time. Rob Cross, Gary Anderson, Nathan Aspinall, Glen Durrant and Dave Chisnell are the other big names still in the event.
“Of course I’ll hit the practice board now. I think Dimitri will help me. I’m still in the competition, I’m the World Champion and I think I’ll win it. You ain’t seen nothing yet!
“Justin is always awesome, he never gives up. It’s never easy playing Justin. I used to look up to Justin when I was trying to get better and improve myself when he was winning all the Players Championships. He’s a quality guy and a quality dart player.
“We all know that Krzysztof is a fantastic player and he’s going to get even better in the future. He’s immense.
“All he does is practice and practice and try and be better than anyone else. Respect to him, he’s a hard man to beat.”
By Phil Lanning
Pic by Taylor Lanning