Peter Wright hit back at suggestions he won't qualify for the World Matchplay, insisting a strong run in Austria could change everything. The two-time world champion defeated Zoran Lerchbacher 6-2 in the first round of the Austrian Darts Open on Saturday, setting up a clash with defending champion Martin Schindler later today.
Speaking to DartsNews after the match, Wright acknowledged his indifferent form over the past 18 months but made clear he hasn't given up hope on Blackpool. “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,” he said.
Wright also reflected on his performance and the change of venue. “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.”
Looking ahead to his match against Schindler, Wright believes the early win gives him an edge. “Yeah, definitely. Obviously it affects the seedings in the next round as well. For example, it’s a disadvantage for Martin Schindler when I play him tomorrow because I’ve already been up there, had a practice, won a game and seen what the crowd is like. He’s not playing in his home country, so I should have no excuses.”
Despite no longer being part of the darting elite, Wright remains confident in his ability to win another world title. “At the end of the year when I’m lifting the World Championship! Yeah, I’m going to win it. Hopefully, I play Luke Littler in the final. If not, Luke Humphries, because they’re the best two players in the world.”
