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Wright crashes out of World Championship

3 minute read

Two-time champion Peter Wright crashed out of the World Darts Championship in the second round after a shock 3-0 defeat to Jim Williams at Alexandra Palace.

Peter Wright, darts player.
Peter Wright, darts player. Picture: AAP Image

Wright, who was dressed as the Grinch, was definitely not in the festive mood after he posted a dismal three-dart average of less than 84.

The showpiece match of night six was lacking quality as Williams, who was a BDO runner-up in 2020, was far from his best too.

He said: "I was fighting myself all the way and it's a little bit frustrating – but hopefully we'll get there."

A star was born earlier in the night as 16-year-old Luke Littler made his World Championships debut and swept dutchman Christian Kist aside in a 3-0 victory. 

Littler was in stunning form as he hit seven 180s and finished with a blistering average of 106.12, with pundits now marking him out as a genuine contender for the crown. 

The teenager said:  "I can't believe how quickly I settled in. I was a bit nervous going to the stage but as soon as I found my rhythm I was in."

Former World Championship semi-finalist Wayne Mardle said: "You've just witnessed something extraordinary. Luke Littler may be the most naturally talented player I've ever seen."

Also in the Wednesday evening session, Richard Veenstra eased past Ben Robb 3-0 while Ryan Joyce was a 3-1 winner over Alex Spellman.

In the afternoon, 16th seed Ross Smith eased to a 3-1 victory over Niels Zonneveld before being stung by a wasp on stage.

"There's the wasp," Smith said in his post-match TV interview as he noticed the insect.

The Englishman then recoiled in pain and said: "He's just stung me like a good one. Little bugger."

Smith, a prolific maximum hitter, was below his best but still produced seven 180s and the second 170 checkout of the tournament to see off plucky Dutchman Zonnevald.

"It wasn't a great game and I didn't play nowhere near what I can," said Smith. "But I can enjoy my turkey and pigs in blankets now.

"I tried to get some fire in my belly, but it was really difficult. I was a bit nervy the last couple of days, everyone is because you just want to get through.

"I will relax now and hopefully be better after Christmas."

Exeter debutant Owen Bates lost a two-set lead as Ireland's Steve Lennon fought back to win 3-2.

Lennon won nine of the last 11 legs against the 21-year-old crowd favourite to claim the win needed to retain his PDC Tour card.

"I don't know how I won that," said Lennon. "I was panicking deep down, it's a massive win."

Bates had qualified through the PDC Challenge Tour and emerged with huge credit from a pulsating contest, hitting five 180s and producing 101 and 108 second-set checkouts.

But Bates missed five doubles for a 2-1 lead in the fourth set as Lennon, who hit six maximums, grew stronger and booked a second-round meeting with Welshman Jonny Clayton.

Lennon's compatriot William O'Connor had a far more comfortable time with a 3-0 victory over Bhav Patel.

Meanwhile Poland's Cork-based Radek Szaganski overcame Finland's Marko Kantele 3-2 with a final set 142 checkout helping him through to a second-round clash with five-time world champion Raymond van Barneveld.


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