DEFENDING CHAMPION PETER WRIGHT GIVES A GOOD UPDATE ON HIS WIFE, WHILE WARNING HIS COMPETITORS TO “SNEAK IN THE BACK” FOR ANOTHER ALLY PALLY FINAL 2023 PDC World Darts Championship – Watch live on Sky Sports Darts from 15 December
By Raz Mirza
Last updated: 10/12/22 11:44am
Peter Wright begins his quest for a third Sid Waddell Trophy against Northern Ireland’s Mickey Mansell or New Zealand’s Ben Robb on the opening night of the World Championships.
Peter Wright says he is ready to lift the Sid Waddell Trophy for the third time in four years after receiving good news about his wife Joanne’s health.
The hairdresser’s wife, who designs Wright’s colorful clothes, needed emergency medical attention after complications from surgery to remove her gall bladder during the Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton.
The 52-year-old has since withdrawn from The Players Championship and now heads to Alexandra Palace looking to defend his title with little competitive action under his belt.
Wright begins his bid for a third Sid Waddell Trophy against Northern Ireland’s Mickey Mansell or New Zealand’s Ben Robb, who kick off proceedings on Thursday, December 15, but ‘Snakebite’ is up for the challenge knowing Joan is fit.
“I’ve got a lot to deal with this year, having my gall bladder removed and Joe being sick, but it’s all clear so let’s go and get old Sid”
Peter Wright
Peter and his wife Jo have suffered ill health this year, but ‘Snakebite’ hopes to put him behind him by winning a third Ali Pali title.
“My mind was not warm [defending my title]. More worrying about Jo and whether they’ll let her in [to hospital] “So it’s been four days to rest and get my mind ready for the world,” Wright said Sky Sports.
“I’ve had a lot to deal with this year with my gall bladder removed and Joe being sick, but it’s all clear so let’s go and get old Sid.
“I haven’t stopped looking after Jo, cooking her breakfast, lunch and dinner, cleaning and washing and throwing darts in between.”
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Love the Darts team discuss whether former two-time world champion Wright can reclaim his title
Despite ‘The Green Machine’ winning the Premier League, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and Players Championship Final, the Scot spoke of his chances of success once again at Alexandra Palace, snubbing Michael van Gerwen’s hopes of his crowning glory. This year.
“My form on the dart board is still pretty good, I’m not training against anyone anyway. I know how well I can play in the world as long as I’m feeling good and the darts are on the board. The championship, so it’s looking good,” Wright said.
“I know what to do to prepare for the World Championships – I’ve won it twice in the last three years – so as long as I do the same things I normally do, there’s no reason why I can’t. Play well.
“I’m looking forward to taking on old Sid next year and it’s up to the rest of us to try and stop me.
“I’ll sneak around the back and let everyone talk about Michael van Gerwen, Gezi Price, Michael Smith, Luke Humphries, Nathan Aspinall, Josh Rock. I’ll go in there and see the finalists.
“They know when I say I’m going to go and win, I’m going to back it up. I didn’t say I was going to win. I’m going to go to the finals.”
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The Love the Darts team discuss who their favorite player is at this year’s World Darts Championship
As for van Gerwen’s incredible run, Wright added: “Van Gerwen’s form has improved, but he’s only played well in one tournament this year, I think. He’s improving, but that means we all have to improve, which means good for darts and good for TV.”
“Hopefully we’ll see some good averages at Worlds this year.”
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See every nine-darter hit at the PDC World Championship
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Josh Rock stuns van Gerwen with a nine-darter at the Grand Slam of Darts.
With youngsters Rock and Beau Greaves set to make their World Championship debuts this year, Wright said he was excited about the incoming darting talent while admitting there could be as many as 10 players who could win the title on January 3.
“It’s not like it used to be when you could pick three or four people. You could pick at least 10 people and still not pick a winner,” admitted Wright. “It’s really wide open and you can’t forget the sneaky Rob Cross who has been great this year. He can be a dangerous player but there are weights.”
Watch the 2023 PDC World Darts Championship from 15 December to 3 January – live on Sky Sports Darts.
