WRIGHT HITS BACK AT DOUBTERS

PETER WRIGHT insists he’s “not finished yet” after blasting back at his doubters and revealing he still plans to become a THREE-time world champion.

‘Snakebite’ has endured one of the toughest years of his career, slipping out of the world’s top 16, failing to win a title and not reaching a single major quarter-final in 2025.

But Wright looked far more like his old self at the Players Championship Finals, producing a ruthless display on the outer ring as he pinned six of eight doubles and averaged 93.11 to beat Joe Cullen 6-3 in Minehead.

World No.30 Wright even ditched his usual walk-on for Tubthumping by Chumbawamba — “I get knocked down, but I get up again” — a fitting soundtrack for a man who insists he’s nowhere near done.

Wright admitted the drop from his glory days has stung badly but insists the fire to climb back is very much alive.

He said: “All those times not winning games — I’ve tightened up and you start crapping yourself.

“I’ve been practising with Danny Lauby and we were talking about the averages I’ve hit in the past against MVG when he was absolutely smashing everyone to bits for 10 years.

“Telling him about when I averaged 118 and lost. When I beat him in an exhibition with a 133 average.

“The Adrian Lewis game with the 120 average. I was just remembering the days and thinking, why can’t I do it now?

“It’s so annoying. I’ve still got hunger. The two Lukes inspire me.

“Especially the way James Wade is playing after he dropped out of the rankings and got back up there. If he can do it, why can’t I? I know I’m a lot older.”

Eight-time major winner Wright delivered a passionate message to anyone writing him off.

He added: “I love proving people wrong. A lot of people have said I should give up — yeah, maybe they’re right, but inside here I ain’t finished yet.

“There’s £1million for the world champion. I’m going to be a three-time champion when I win it this year or next year.

“But I will definitely win it. I know I can upset the big guys — all it takes is three weeks over Christmas time.

“It’s because people keep knocking me down, and I’ll get back up there again. To all the doubters out there.”

Wright returns to action on Saturday afternoon and will face James Wade in round two.

Image by Taylor Lanning.