Peter Wright has played down his title prospects at this year’s Betfred World Matchplay, as he prepares to take on Ryan Searle for a place in the quarter-finals on Wednesday night.
The 2021 champion has flown under the radar ahead of this year’s tournament, having endured a difficult period on the board and away from the sport over recent months.
Despite celebrating wins at the Nordic Darts Masters and Czech Darts Open earlier this year, Wright has struggled for consistency in 2023, finishing bottom of the recent Premier League.
However, with reigning champion Michael van Gerwen, world number one Michael Smith and last year's runner-up Gerwyn Price crashing out before the halfway stage, Wright is now the highest-ranked player left standing at the Winter Gardens.
“Normally I come here saying I’m going to win it, but my preparation wasn’t ideal,” conceded the world number two.
“I was on a holiday cruise and I wasn’t allowed to take my darts on, so I hadn’t thrown a dart for about 16 days before this week.
“I definitely feel refreshed and I enjoyed the break, but it isn’t suiting my game.
“I have tried a different tactic this year, taking time off before tournaments and missing lots of ProTours during the Premier League, but obviously it hasn’t worked.
“I need to be playing competitive darts more often. I need to get back to what I normally do which is playing in every tournament, and that will keep me sharp.”
Wright will now play Searle in the last 16 on Wednesday, after the Somerset star underlined his credentials by averaging 105.19 to blitz Dutch legend Raymond van Barneveld in round one.
Two-time World Champion Wright was less spectacular in his 10-4 success against UK Open champion Andrew Gilding, although he did convert 104, 107 and 146 checkouts on his way to victory.
“I didn’t feel comfortable at all up there. The only positive is that I won the game,” claimed Wright, also a runner-up to Phil Taylor at this event in 2017.
“We all know that Ryan Searle is a brilliant dart player, but every game is different and I’m looking forward to Wednesday.
“Michael [van Gerwen] going out has blown the tournament wide open, and I remember [in 2021] when I sneaked through the back door and won it!
“Nobody will notice me in my crazy outfits and crazy hairstyle, and hopefully I can do the same again!”
Wright is one of only five players to have completed the coveted World Championship and World Matchplay double, along with Taylor, Michael van Gerwen, Gary Anderson and Rob Cross.
The Scot’s 2021 triumph was one of the most comprehensive in the 30-year history of the World Matchplay, as he boasted an astonishing tournament average of 104.91.
Wright averaged 110 in his remarkable semi-final win over Van Gerwen, and an average of over 105 saw him topple Dimitri Van den Bergh to scoop the iconic Phil Taylor Trophy two years ago.
The 53-year-old has struggled to recapture that incredible form in 2023, but with the tournament blown wide open, Wright believes he can turn back the clock and lift a second World Matchplay crown next weekend.
“After the World Championship, this is the tournament you want to win,” added Wright – making his 13th appearance in the showpiece event of the darting summer.
“If my game turns up then I can beat anyone, but whether it turns up, we’ll have to wait and see!
“I know I’m not far away and I still believe I can win it, because I’m still in it!
“If you’re mentally not ready, then you shouldn’t be here.”
Day Five of the Betfred World Matchplay will see the second round draw to a close at the Winter Gardens, with 2020 champion Van den Bergh up against Jonny Clayton in another stellar showdown.
The Belgian averaged 101 to beat European Champion Ross Smith 10-8 in a first round thriller, while Clayton defied a late fightback from Gabriel Clemens to prevail by the same scoreline.
Elsewhere, world number six Luke Humphries and Dirk van Duijvenbode collide in an explosive last 16 clash, in a repeat of July’s European Darts Matchplay decider.
Humphries posted a ton-plus average to dispatch Jose de Sousa in his opener, while Van Duijvenbode won through a dramatic tie-break against Kim Huybrechts to progress to round two.
The evening’s curtain-raiser will see Brendan Dolan bidding to continue his giant-killing run, fresh from dumping out defending champion Michael van Gerwen on Sunday night.
The Northern Irishman’s reward is a meeting against Australian number one Damon Heta, who eased past World Youth Champion Josh Rock to celebrate his maiden win at the Empress Ballroom.
2023 Betfred World Matchplay
Wednesday July 19 (1900 BST)
4x Second Round
Brendan Dolan v Damon Heta
Jonny Clayton v Dimitri Van den Bergh
Peter Wright v Ryan Searle
Luke Humphries v Dirk van Duijvenbode