The two-time darts world champion Peter Wright surprisingly said goodbye after his first game at the World Cup in London on Wednesday evening (December 20th, 2023). Meanwhile, junior world champion Luke Littler impressed.
“Snakebite” Wright lost 3-0 to Welshman Jim Williams after a poor performance. The 53-year-old Wright put on a big show before the game when he came on stage with green hair and a Christmas shirt and jumped from right to left with his cheerleading pompoms.
On the screen, the Scot’s performances looked more than mixed. Wright missed numerous chances to equalize the set in the second round and then seemed broken. A few minutes later the game was over. Wright – reigning European champion – is only the second seeded player to be eliminated from the World Cup after England’s James Wade.
Junior world champion Littler is thrilled
Before Wright’s appearance, which was considered the highlight of the sixth day of competition, former European champion Ross Smith secured a third round ticket. Smith defeated Dutchman Niels Zonneveld 3-1. Junior world champion Luke Littler made a convincing debut at Alexandra Palace. The 16-year-old clearly defeated Christian Kist (Netherlands) 3-0 after a fantastic performance. “I can’t believe I did this on my debut. This is the greatest thing in my career” Littler said.
German players were not in action on Wednesday. Gabriel Clemens will be called upon for the first time on Thursday (10 p.m.). The World Cup semi-finalist meets Man Lok Leung from Hong Kong