Peter Wright has hailed Luke Humphries and Luke Littler as the inspirations behind his resurgence at this year’s Paddy Power World Darts Championship.
Wright rolled back the years to dethrone reigning champion Humphries in a fascinating last 16 clash at Alexandra Palace last Sunday, landing 70% of his attempts at double to cap off a clinical display.
The two-time World Champion also averaged over a ton to celebrate a stunning 4-1 success, but he insists there is still room for improvement ahead of his quarter-final clash against Stephen Bunting on New Year’s Day.
“I was over the moon with the win, but I wasn’t pleased with my performance. I struggled through the whole game,” claimed Wright, who lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy in 2020 and 2022.
“The round before I felt more comfortable and I didn’t play as well, but that’s just the way it goes.”
Nevertheless, Wright’s win over Humphries has boosted his belief for the rest of the competition, as he continues his pursuit of a third World Championship crown.
“I felt confident anyway playing Luke Humphries over the shorter distance,” continued Wright, who defeated Dutch duo Wesley Plaisier and Jermaine Wattimena earlier in the tournament.
“If I didn’t beat Luke in this round, he would’ve retained his title because I don’t think any other player would have got close to him over a longer distance.”
The popular 54-year-old has endured a difficult 2024 season, but dismissed suggestions that his struggles this year have diminished his ability to compete with the best.
“It’s always been in my head anyway,” added Scotland’s two-time World Cup winner.
“I know I can beat the likes of Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, but I’ve also said that those guys inspire me to carry on playing darts, and they do!
“I’m not ready to go to the senior side yet because I know that I can still play this game. It didn’t feel like I played my game against Luke, but I know I can get better.
“I have to take each leg and each set at a time. You can’t overlook any player in this tournament.
“There have been a lot of shocks, but that’s just the way darts is going at the moment. Everyone can play, and everyone can beat anybody. You can’t take anyone lightly.”
Wright will return to the stage on a bumper evening of action on New Year’s Day, as he plays Masters champion Bunting for a place in the semi-finals.
Bunting – a semi-finalist in 2020/21 – defied a sluggish start to defeat Kai Gotthardt in his opener, before following up a 4-1 thumping of Madars Razma with a straight-sets win against Luke Woodhouse.