No excuses for Wright after Ally Pally exit

Peter Wright

Defending William Hill World Darts Champion Peter Wright refused to make any excuses after being beaten by Germany’s Gabriel Clemens on a historic night at London’s Alexandra Palace. 

Wright became the first reigning World Champion to fail to reach the last 16 since Phil Taylor was defeated by Michael Smith seven years ago, while Clemens became the first German player to progress past the last 32. 

Speaking after losing a last-leg decider in a 4-3 thriller on Sunday evening, the world number two said: “I felt really good going up there but I missed chances in the first couple of sets and missed lots of doubles.

"Credit to Gabriel. He would not go away and when he did go away, I didn't punish him. I had my chances but I didn't take them. All the best to him in the next round. 

“I’m not going to make excuses. No player has got any excuse. The stage feels amazing.

"Obviously it’s totally different to my first game when I played in front of a crowd but I felt so comfortable. It felt like I was playing at home.

“It was too easy in a way and then when I had to switch on for a double, I missed. I can’t explain why.

"That’s just what happened and he took advantage. I got out there and I failed but I’ll be back. Good luck to the other guys.”

Wright's defeat came on a dramatic return for the World Championship following the three-day Christmas break, with Joe Cullen's tie with Jonny Clayton also going to a sudden-death leg before Michael van Gerwen raced past Ricky Evans.

Click here to read a round-up of the action on Day Ten