“I can beat Luke Littler” – Peter Wright makes claim after Luke Humphries victory
Only a fool would have predicted Peter Wright to reach the 2025 World Darts Championship quarter-finals.
2024 had been a year to forget for the former two-time World Champion, but he is starting to believe after conquering Luke Humphries 4-1 at Alexandra Palace. Snakebite won only two of his 18 matches in the Premier League but has crowds singing his name again after a superb performance.
There had been a bit of needle prior to the game, with Wright playing mind games on the world number one. However, the pair shared a warm embrace after the match, with Snakebite visibly moved by Humphries’ warm words. The world number 17 will face either Steven Bunting or Luke Woodhouse in the next round and could face Luke Littler if they both progress.
Peter Wright makes Luke Littler claim and addresses mind games
After the win, Wright spoke to the media and made some bold claims while playing down his own performance. He said: “I know I can beat the likes of Luke Humphries and Luke Littler. Those two guys inspire me to keep playing darts.”
When asked if he had used mind games prior to the match with Humphries, the world number 17 claimed he was just voicing his opinion. Wright said: “Everyone’s got their own opinion on stuff. What I put it down to is that Luke wasn’t quite on his form as he was last year. He was untouchable last year, hundred-plus averages – you didn’t want to play Luke.
“This year, he was getting through games with 98s, 99s, stuff like that and I thought if he turns up doing that, then I’ve got a chance. If he turned up like the Luke Humphries of last year, then he would have battered me.”
The Scotsman defeated Cool Hand with an average of over 100 and a whopping 70% on the doubles, demonstrating he can still cut it on the grandest stage. This year has been the year of upsets and if Wright can sustain his high performance levels, then he has a chance of lifting his third world title.
Gerwyn Price trumps Jonny Clayton in battle of the Welsh
Gerwyn Price defeated his compatriot and dear friend Jonny Clayton 4-2 to reach the quarter-finals of the World Darts Championship. The Iceman got off to an emphatic start, almost hitting a nine darter in the opening set. Price raced to a 2-0 lead and looked set to sweep the Ferret off the oche.
However, both players struggled for form in the middle sets and Clayton was able to take advantage of a dip in play from Price. The Ferret clawed the game back to 2-2, with neither player at their best. However, it was Price who crawled over the line, with the former World Champion cutting a frustrated figure at the end of the match.
Rob Owen defeats Ricky Evans to secure place in last-16
Rob Owen’s dream continues at the World Darts Championship after he defeated crowd favourite Ricky Evans 4-2 in the third round. Evans started proceedings on the front foot, with a series of 180s to lead 2-1 in sets. However, the Welshman would not go away and showed consistency as Evans faltered.
Stack Attack was visibly emotional on stage as he secured his pro tour card for 2025. As a part-time Iceland delivery driver, the victory will mean everything as he refuses to be beaten. Owen will play Callan Rydz in the next round, who averaged over 105 in his third round win.
