WRIGHT HITS BACK AT WORLD MATCHPLAY DOUBTS

PETER WRIGHT has furiously hit back at suggestions he is in danger of missing out on the World Matchplay after his rankings collapse.

Snakebite finally picked up his first European Tour win of the season with a 6-2 victory over Zoran Lerchbacher at the Austrian Darts Open in Graz. 

The two-time world champ endured the worst season of his career in 2025, crashing out of the world’s top 16, failing to win a title and not reaching a single major semi-final. 

Wright admitted his alarming dip in form has left him frustrated but insists he is determined to turn his fortunes around. 

He said: “It was nice to be in a different venue and to experience the practice area as well.  

“It’s totally different compared to the past couple of years in Austria when we were playing in a tent, and it was like a sauna. 

“It was really nice, the crowd was really good, I enjoyed it, and I’m happy to get the win. 

“Obviously, Zoran is a fantastic player. After the first leg, I think the nerves kicked in for him a little bit. 

“I had a little bit of nerves as well, to be honest, because I’m fed up with the money not going on the rankings. But it’s only down to me. I’ve got to pull my finger out.” 

Wright then dismissed fears he could miss out on competing at the Winter Gardens for the first time since 2012. 

He added: “Why am I not going to be in Blackpool? When I win this one, that’s £35,000, and I only need maybe another £10,000 on top of that. There are plenty of tournaments in between.

“Yes, I chose not to go to two upcoming European Tour events, but I can make that up in the Players Championship events.  

“So yes, I still will be at Blackpool, but I won’t be in the World Cup, and I shouldn’t be in the World Cup because I’m not playing well enough.” 

Wright also revealed he misses regularly testing himself against the very best players in the world after losing his place in the Premier League. 

He continued: “I don’t feel more nerves. It gives you no excuse not to be prepared.  

“Before, you were coming here straight from the Premier League or the World Series events, so you already had experience of playing the top seven players in the world because you were one of the eight. 

“That’s the only thing I miss, playing against the best of the best. But I’m getting older and I’m enjoying the game more now than I used to.  

“I’ve just got to concentrate on certain things, certain tournaments, and do well in them. This is one I’d like to win.”