WRIGHT HUMILIATED IN SHOCK WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP EXIT
23/12/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
By Phil Lanning
PETER WRIGHT suffered a Worlds humiliation after crashing out to World No163 Arno Merk.
The two-time champion was KO’d 3-0 by the unknown German debutant and won only TWO legs in total at the Ally Pally yesterday (Tuesday).
Wright, 55, was so far off the pace, swapped darts several times and was woeful on the doubles.
He averaged only 79.20, had 19 trebleness visits and hit just two checkouts out of 15 attempts.
He will now further plunge down the rankings and is already stranded at World No30.
On his change of darts, former Lakeside champ Mark Webster said: “The first leg and a half was pretty positive. He made a real hash of the second leg. His argument is just to freshen things up. Sometimes it can be seen as a sign of desperation, even this early in the match.
“He’s done it throughout his career and despite the drop off the last couple of years, he’s had a successful career.
“For Peter Wright plenty to ponder after another disappointing World Championship.
“Arno Merk just did his job. The stats don’t make good reading for Peter Wright. The average below 80. But Arno Merk did his job and blew Peter away.”
‘Snakebite’ never looked like recovering from an abysmal opening set. He never settled into the match and didn’t look comfortable on any double.
In contrast the German just oozed with more belief as Wright’s confidence drained.
Merk said: “I’m stunned, I can’t believe it, I just beat a legend.
“I started practising a year ago, right now I’m earning my work. I’m really happy.
“It means everything, my girlfriend, my manager and all my friends over there. They are supporting me so much, it’s unbelievable.
“I am proud to make them proud. I don’t know how to thank them.
“If I play like this I can be dangerous for anybody.”
Image by Taylor Lanning.
