Unfortunately, yes Peter Wrighthis dream of becoming a three-time world champion ended for another year. Stephen Bunting proved to be a step too far in the quarterfinals as “Snakebite” lost 5-2 at the stadium Alexandra Palaceending its year 2025 PDC World Darts Championships campaign.
Wright just couldn’t get out of the lock against Bunting on New Year’s Day, struggling to replicate the level of performance he showed in ending 2024 world champion Luke Humphries’ last-16 reign. Although Wright showed signs of struggling towards the end, losing two sets from 4-0 to 4-2, Bunting prevailed 5-2 in the final to set up a semi-final clash with teenage darts sensation Luke Littler in the semi-final at Pally’s ally.
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“I have no excuses. “Stephen played better than me and could have finished the match earlier, but I managed to take two sets,” admitted “Snakebite” later, happy to be able to praise his successful opponent. “I would have liked to give him a better game, but I didn’t. I left myself too much to do.
While Wright is determined not to make excuses for his exit, the Scot admits his darts weren’t going exactly as he intended. “I wasn’t playing Stephen there; I was playing alone and just trying to get the shuttle to where it needed to be!” – explains the 54-year-old Scot honestly.
Nevertheless, after a disastrous 2024 season, a quarter-final appearance at the World Darts Championships gives Wright reason for optimism ahead of the new year in darts. “I played well to beat Jermaine [Wattimena] and Łukasz [Humphries]and I had a good victory against Wesley [Plaisier] also,” he says. “Wesley finished second on the Challenge Tour, so after the wins I had on the Challenge Tour, I’m excited to step up to the plate and play like this.”
“I won’t defend anything at next year’s World Championships,” he concludes. “I also have almost nothing to defend except the European Championships, so further and higher. I’m looking forward to the rest of the year.”
Given his poor season, few expected Wright to receive a call-up for the 2025 Premier League Darts campaign. He reached the quarter-finals at Ally Pally, defeating Humphries along the way. The question is: Did Wright do enough to earn the invitation?
