Darts
Exclusive: Peter Wright Aims for World Matchplay Redemption Amid Form and Family Challenges
Peter Wright aims to overcome poor form and personal challenges at the World Matchplay, drawing inspiration from his 2021 victory.
Scottish darts ace Peter Wright is ready to put his season of disappointment behind him – and hit it lucky at the World Matchplay in Blackpool.
Two-time world champion Wright has battled a health scare and mental demons in the past couple of years.
But the 2021 World Matchplay champion is looking to draw on his memorable success from three years ago to land his first major title since winning the European Championship last year.
Current Form and Mindset
“My form is pretty terrible at the moment to be honest,” Wright told SportsBoom.com.
“The top 32 players are there, but I’m probably not in the top 128 with the way I’ve been playing.”
“But I’m feeling great approaching it. I was making a coffee the other morning and I got little goosebumps thinking about the tournament.”
“I’m looking forward to it, even though my form hasn’t been great.”
“I’ve won it and been in the semis a few times and lost in the final, so it’s been a pretty good place for me.”
“I really enjoy it in Blackpool, the crowd and the venue is amazing.”
“And if you can’t get up for it, even when you’re playing bad, then there’s something wrong with you.”
Balancing Darts and Family: Wright Opens Up About Wife's Health Battle
Wright’s wife Joanne continues to suffer health problems and, understandably, 54-year-old Wright has struggled to focus on his form with family foremost in his thoughts.
“Jo has still got lots of stuff going on, the doctors are still trying to sort out a couple of things,” revealed Wright.
“But I’m feeling better thankfully, even though I’m getting a bit fat,” Wright joked.
“I’m definitely in a good place mentally, I’m looking forward to the rest of the year, so let’s see what happens.”
“I’ve got the miserable half of the year out of the way now, so I’m ready to start playing proper darts.”
Image credit: PDC
First Round Rescheduled to Avoid Euro 2024 Final Clash
Wright’s first round clash with Andrew Gilding has been brought forward from 8pm to 4.30pm to avoid a clash with England versus Spain in the Euro 2024 final in Germany.
But ‘Snakebite’ doesn’t mind the late change because he’s already eyeing up a gourmet hotel dinner by the seaside.
“I’m just playing a bit earlier, but I’m not bothered to be honest – and I won’t be watching the football,” admitted Wright.
“At least I’ll be able to get myself back to my room and get something decent to eat.”
Adapting to Changes and Looking Forward
The world No 10 added: “The form hasn’t really been there the last couple of years, but mentally I feel great.”
“Maybe it’s just the eyes trying to adjust to wearing glasses and contact lenses.”
“It makes a total difference when you’re throwing the darts when you’re wearing glasses.”
“It’s taken a long time to adjust – and I still am adjusting.”
“I still want to carry on winning majors, I’d be happy with one a year, especially with the amount of talent that is around now.”
“There’s so many good youngsters, but if this old guy can upset them, well I’ll be happy,” Wright concluded.
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Neil has been a journalist for longer than he'd care to remember, having written for national newspapers and respected publications for over 25 years. For the last three years he has worked freelance for BBC Sport, working on the production desk as a sub-editor and also as a writer, covering a whole range of sports.