Peter Wright, the renowned darts player, has suffered a crushing blow with his first-round exit from the World Championship. Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle predicts that the defeat will leave a lasting impact on Wright.

Largest single drop in PDC history

Livingston-born ace Peter Wright faced a shocking defeat at the hands of Jim Williams, which resulted in a loss of £485,000 off his world ranking. The drop is the largest ever in PDC history, leaving him provisionally ranked seventh.

A year to forget

Mardle commented on Wright's performance, stating that it was a far cry from his usual form. The darts legend struggled with his throwing, losing rhythm and changing his darts in an attempt to find a winning strategy. Mardle empathized with Wright, acknowledging that this defeat will sting, particularly in the context of the World Championship.

Concerns for the future

Wright's defeat has dropped him to his lowest place in the order of merit in over five years. He will now need to secure a pick for the Premier League. Mardle expressed surprise at Wright's decline and questioned the reasons behind it. He also highlighted the significant difference between Wright's performance in the 2022 final and his recent defeat, emphasizing the need for Wright to regain his form quickly.

Looking ahead

Despite his challenging year, Wright's talent is undeniable, as demonstrated by his victory in the European championships. Mardle emphasized the importance of Wright preparing for upcoming events such as the Masters and World Series, as well as the Premier League, to avoid further disappointments.