Peter Wright is aiming to join an exclusive group this weekend, as he sets his sights on lifting a third Machineseeker European Championship title in Dortmund.
Wright ended his two-year wait for a televised ranking title at last year’s European Championship, defeating James Wade 11-6 to pocket the £120,000 top prize.
The Scot will kick off his title defence against Jermaine Wattimena on Friday evening, as he bids to join Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen in becoming the third player to win the coveted title on more than two occasions.
“I’ve been lucky enough to win this tournament twice; I’ve made a few semi-finals too, so it’s been really good to me,” admitted Wright, who also prevailed in the 2020 edition.
“The crowds are always great here. I don’t know why they’ve taken to me, but I really appreciate the fans and the support, so keep on doing it guys!
“It would be nice to join that club with Phil and Michael this weekend, but I’m not one of the players in top form.”
Wright endured a tumultuous start to 2024 that saw him relinquish his place in the world’s top ten, although he’s shown signs of a resurgence over recent months.
The 54-year-old produced some heroic performances to triumph at last month’s German Darts Championship, defeating Michael van Gerwen and Luke Littler on his way to glory.
Wright averaged 108 in an epic quarter-final victory over Van Gerwen, before defying a 106 average from Littler in a thrilling final, reeling off six consecutive legs to take the title.
“The players I beat to win that title are the guys in form,” highlighted Wright, one of four former champions left in this year’s European Championship.
“There are guys out there playing some fantastic darts at the moment, and I’m well behind them, so I’m definitely not a favourite for the tournament.
“My game is up and down. I’m practising more than I have done for years, so hopefully it will start paying off.
“I’ve got a tough game against Jermaine first. He is playing some really good darts.
“I’m not quite there at the moment, but hopefully I will feel good and play well on stage, because I need to.
“It is about if your head is right on the day. If my head is right on Sunday - if I make it that far - I could be very dangerous."
The Machineseeker European Championship is being broadcast live on ITV4 in the UK, through the PDC's worldwide broadcast partners including DAZN and Viaplay, and on PDCTV (excluding subscribers based in the UK, Germany, Austria & Switzerland).
2024 Machineseeker European Championship
Friday October 25 (1900-2300 CEST, 1800-2200 BST)
First Round
Danny Noppert v Joe Cullen
Chris Dobey v Jonny Clayton
Rob Cross v James Wade
Ricardo Pietreczko v Damon Heta
Peter Wright v Jermaine Wattimena
Luke Littler v Andrew Gilding
Luke Humphries v Nathan Aspinall
Josh Rock v Mike De Decker
Best of 11 legs