Wrighty Vows to "Bash" MVG Back in Final
Peter Wright vowed to “bash” Michael van Gerwen in the Unibet Premier League final after losing his first match of 2020 to his old foe.
Snakebite threw away a 2-0 lead to eventually lose out to MVG in a proper old slugfest in Aberdeen on Thursday night.
The Scot got a rousing reception on his homecoming but was left to rue too many early missed chances against the World No.1 and went down 7-5.
Wright, who produced a fantastic 157 finish, said: “I should have been 5-0 up but I missed my doubles tonight. I did OK in patches but that’s not good enough against Michael.
“I tried not to listen to the crowd on the walk-on. And I didn’t cry, even though it was coming close. I’m having the operation in a couple of weeks to get my tear ducts taken out!
“I’ll get used to being announced as World Champion, but the aim is to make it Double World Champion this time next year.
“It’s not harder playing as World Champion, I was just more annoyed I let the home crowd down.
“I’ll get Michael in the Final of this and I’ll bash him in that.
“I’m nearly settled with a set of darts. It’s just the points I’m mucking about with.
“I just enjoyed being on the stage with these guys at some point or being in the Top 32 and being close to those guys, but now I am one of them.
“I’ll get him. It’s just one game. It doesn’t mean nothing. If he gets to the Final because I will, I’ll beat him.”
John Henderson’s dream second appearance in the Premier League became a nightmare with a 7-3 defeat to Nathan Aspinall.
Big Hendo admitted afterwards: “I was awful. That just wasn’t good enough. I feel bad I let the fans down. They were incredible and did Aberdeen proud. I’m gutted I couldn’t make it a better night for them.”
Gary Anderson revealed he’s “learning” the game again after an epic comeback to dump Daryl Gurney.
The Flying Scotsman came from 5-3 down to overcome the Irishman in a barnstorming finish at the P&J Live.
Ando sent the 8,000 Dartan Army fans wild with a succession of slick finishes and then vowed he has three months to get back to his best.
He said: “I’m looking forward to this year. I can’t say on TV what it felt like to savour that atmosphere.
“Anyone who plays any sport, to play in front of your own countrymen and the home crowd is just amazing. To be honest, it felt like I had never done it before.
“It’s like I’m learning again and I’m enjoying. I’m not getting any younger, but I can still play now and again, so we’ll see what happens this year.
“The game was slipping away early on. I always struggle against Daryl’s pace, but in the end I just started to play at my own pace and do what I do. It worked.
“Dealing with the pressure is okay, it just when it comes to throwing the things.
“Last year was a wipe out for me and last week at The Masters was the start again. Being back in the Premier League, I’ve given myself three months to get my game back.
“I felt good at The Masters. I defeated Gerwyn and then I went back to the hotel and broke the golden rule. I had my dinner. That done for me.
“I’ll just keep going until the day comes. I’ve got a few years yet.”
Gurney moved two clear at 4-2 with a couple of super cool finishes of 80 and 72 despite a chorus of jeers from the Dartan Army.
But a pivotal eighth leg saw eight doubles missed by Gurney until Ando finally snatched it with a madhouse double one checkout - and a vital break of throw.
Then a late burst saw Anderson nick it with a wonderful flourish, taking the last four legs to win 7-5 and a wonderful 104 finish.
Glen Durrant made short work on his debut of Michael Smith with a very slick 7-3 victory while Gerwyn Price came back to secure a draw with Rob Cross.
By Phil Lanning (@lannomedia)