Tuesday, December 15, 2020
Perfect start for the world champion
Wright delivers darts show as "Grinch"
Defending champion Peter Wright celebrates a tailor-made start at the Darts World Cup in London. On the first day of the tournament in Alexandra Palace, the Scot defeated Englishman Steve West 3-1 in front of the spectators and is now in the third round. Second in the world, Wright had a bye to round one.
Defending champion Peter Wright opened the World Cup in London with a furious darts gala disguised as the "Grinch". The 50-year-old Scot offered an impressive show at the start of the tournament, when he danced on stage all in green and then defeated the Englishman Steve West 3-1.
"Snakebite" Wright thrilled the almost 1000 spectators who were allowed to kick off at Alexandra Palace. Despite the corona pandemic, the PDC world association initially received approval to allow 1000 fans to attend all 28 sessions. The British government prohibited this on Monday evening due to the high corona numbers, but only from Wednesday.
Wright used the possibly unique stage and encouraged the fans at their tables. The third round entry against the experienced veteran was never in danger. West had previously defeated the Indian Amit Gilitwala 3-0. Not all seats in the "Ally Pally" were taken. Costumes and chants were forbidden, chants were recorded from the tape. The fans were allowed to consume beer on the square and to display signs with a maximum score of 180.
Only when the green Grinch, who once stole Christmas in a children's book, appeared on the biggest darts stage, the fans stood up briefly and cheered the Scottish bird of paradise. Second in the world, Wright had a bye to round one. In the third round, the world champion will meet Gabriel Clemens or Nico Kurz.
.