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Peter Wright’s confidence took a hit after his crash World Championship.
The two-time champion was wearing a dress Santa costume but there was no festive cheer at the show as Arno Merck made sure he wouldn’t be coming back Alexandra Palace after Christmas.
Wright had claimed that he was definitely going to win the tournament, but he was left embarrassed after the German won 3–0.
Merc was all set for victory on debut but that ruled out the mouth-watering prospect of a third round showdown between Wright and michael van gerwen – Replay of the 2020 final.
The pair were involved in an exchange of words last week after Wright said Van Gerwen’s eyesight was wobbly, in response to which the Dutchman suggested that the women he is dating have revealed that his eyesight is absolutely fine.
Van Gerwen remains at the top of the game – and a title contender – but Wright’s name is no longer in the conversation after that dreadful performance where he averaged just 79.20.
“I’m shocked, I can’t believe it, I’ve beaten a giant, I’m so happy,” Merc said on stage. “I reached my work early, so I’m really happy.
“It means everything. I’m so proud to make my family proud. If I play like this I can be dangerous for anyone.”
Earlier in the afternoon some entertaining matches took place.
Jermaine Watimena won the deciding set against Scott Williams, seeing his opponent come back from 2–0 down to level the score.
Last year’s quarterfinalist Callan Ridge won a classic against Daryl Gurney, and also won in the final set.
Ryan Meikle started the day with an impressive comeback from 2-0 down to win 3-2 against Jonny Tata.