Peter Wright: I thought to myself ‘I can’t keep missing’ against Simon

Simon Whitlock was never going to be easy to conquer for Peter Wright, but he was happy to get there in the end at the Champions League…

He was made to work all the way for it, but Peter Wright moved to the top of Group B at the Champions League of Darts with an opening win over Simon Whitlock.

Wright look to be easing his way to a 10-5 victory, but Simon Whitlock had other ideas rattling in two ton-plus finishes (114, 126) to make it nervous for Wright at 9-7.

The Scottish star, who averaged an impressive 101.22 in the contest, finally landed a double 16 to seal the win 10-7.

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He wasn’t happy at the time it took, but Snakebite was pleased to fall over the line in the end.

“It’s always nice to start with a win you know, Simon Whitlock was coming back at the end there,” said Wright.

“I missed a few match doubles and I was thinking to myself ‘I can’t keep missing, I can’t keep missing’. Simon’s been playing really well this year, but he didn’t perform like he can and I didn’t either.

“Simon rattled in a few ton-plus finishes, that’s what he does. It was my own fault for giving him those shots. I’ll have to get back on my board and practice my doubles.

“However, I’m quite happy with the way it went.”

Wright’s win means Whitlock will play Rob Cross in tonight’s evening session and he’s predicting The Wizard could cause a shock against the world champion. However, he’s wary of the challenge of Mensur Suljovic who he faces later.

“Simon is always a very difficult player to play against. Rob Cross has got to play him tonight and I reckon Simon will be well up for that.

It wouldn’t be a shock to me if Simon beats Rob.

“Every time I’ve played Mensur Suljovic recently I’ve played the worst game of my life. Hopefully, I won’t do that and I’ll put it right tonight.”

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