Peter Wright produced a stunning performance to dethrone world No. 1 Luke Humphries, defeating him 4-1 in a remarkable match at the PDC World Darts Championship. The two-time world champion, often seen as past his prime, rolled back the years to remind everyone of his formidable abilities. Wright, ranked No. 17 at the time, had predicted Humphries would lose early, a remark that seemed to plant a seed of doubt. Despite his age and the odds stacked against him, Wright entered the match with the confidence of a champion, and his performance was nothing short of spectacular.
Wright’s preparation was methodical, with the familiar tricks of his game switching darts like a golfer choosing clubs, and even refusing bullseye finishes when Humphries was on a finish on full display. It wasn’t just about playing against Humphries; it was about proving to himself that he could summon the player he once was. And that’s exactly what he did. The crowd, often indifferent to Wright in the past, rallied behind him, sensing the magic in the air. He averaged 101, hit 70% of his doubles, and produced some of his best darts in years. A key moment came in set four, where Wright broke Humphries’ throw with a 12-darter, taking a 3-1 lead. The momentum shifted irreversibly in Wright’s favor.
Humphries, despite averaging 99 and hitting 56% of his doubles, couldn’t keep up with Wright’s clinical finishing and timing. Set play, as much about mastering the crucial moments as the technical aspects, played a part. Humphries, although excellent, struggled to control the match’s flow, especially as Wright maintained his composure under pressure. Wright’s resilience was on full display when he held his nerve during a crucial 89 checkout to force a decider in set four. He followed up with a 180-121-140 sequence, eventually closing out the set in 12 darts.
The match ended with Wright’s tears of emotion, a mixture of disbelief and relief. Humphries, gracious in defeat, offered a handshake and a hug, acknowledging Wright’s performance. It was a sobering reminder that, despite his age, Wright still had the mental fortitude and skill to win on the biggest stage. After the match, Wright humbly credited his double world champion status for the victory, suggesting that sometimes, it’s not about age but about playing well when it matters most. He will now face either Stephen Bunting or Luke Woodhouse in the next round.
Wright wasn’t the only former champion to show his quality. Gerwyn Price also progressed to the quarter-finals, beating Jonny Clayton 4-2 in a gritty performance. Price’s game was a rollercoaster, at times dazzling with averages as high as 111, but also dipping in the latter stages, finishing with a more modest 92. Nevertheless, his resilience and experience saw him through, and he remains a formidable threat as the tournament progresses. Both Wright and Price have proven that in the world of darts, a player is never truly finished until the final dart is thrown.
