Prophetic Peter Wright ready to deliver darting dream

Peter Wright is looking to complete a self-fulfilling prophecy with victory in the final of the William Hill World Darts Championship.

Scottish star Wright, who lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy at Alexandra Palace in 2020, takes on Michael Smith in the final of the sport’s showpiece tournament on Monday.

And the 2021 World Matchplay winner is on the brink of completing a darting double that he predicted himself back in July. 

“I said two weeks before the Matchplay that I was going to win that and the World Championship so I have got to back my big mouth up and try to win it,” said Wright, who broke the record for most 180s hit in any match with 24 in his semi-final win over Gary Anderson. 

“I knew that I’d hit a lot of 180s but didn’t know it was 24. To be honest, I’m capable of hitting a lot more. 

“The semi-final was the best game I’ve ever played in. Especially against somebody who is hitting back at me like Gary did.

“Michael has been smashing in the 180s as well so hopefully we can both keep doing that and break records in the final again. I think both of us a capable of blowing the record for 180s in the final out of the water.”

Anderson’s tournament record for the most maximums is also under threat. The two-time World Champion landed 71 in the 2016/2017 tournament. 

Wright has 55 in this year’s event, with Smith leading the way on 59. The record for the most 180s in a match stands at 42 in the 2017 final between Anderson and Michael van Gerwen. 

While world number two Wright remains confident of a second World Championship glory, he is wary of the threat possessed by his opponent.
 
Like Wright (in 2014), Smith lost his first Ally Pally final (in 2019) and the Scot believes that the former World Youth Champion is more dangerous than ever.  

“Michael is learning, like I did. You learn how to deal with losses and you learn how to take them and turn them into wins. 

“Once he gets over the line he’s going to take a lot of stopping. I’ve got to try and stop him in the final. 

“He’s very confident and playing great darts. If he carries on like that it should be a great final. In my head, I think I can win it five-times before I retire.”