Wright Targeting Double Boost

Peter Wright (Michael Cooper, PDC)

PETER WRIGHT is aiming to kick-start his Unibet Premier League campaign with Thursday's double-header at The FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield.

The 2017 runner-up goes into the second phase of the season in eighth place after avoiding elimination on Judgement Night, with two draws in the past fortnight helping secure his status in the event.

Wright's only victory of the season so far came on Night Two against Michael van Gerwen, with four other draws joined by four defeats during an inconsistent two months on the oche.

With seven games remaining, Wright is now targeting a top-four finish to secure a Play-Off spot, with his games against Gary Anderson and Raymond van Barneveld in Sheffield being a chance to close the gap on his rivals.

"The first half of the season was something to forget really," said Wright.

"I had two good performances, one against Michael and the draw against Gary, who was winning everything at the time.

"Some of my performances have been annoying but that's darts and you just have to get on with it. If it comes then great but if it doesn't you just have to move on.

"I have to forget all of that now though and move on to the rest of the season.

"Winning obviously helps, so the last couple of weeks in the Premier League have been ok and I've had some good runs on the European Tour as well.

"I've changed my flights and the averages are starting to get back towards the 100 mark. It's definitely getting there.

"The plan is to keep picking up the wins, I know I'm capable of beating the top players so I have to keep believing.

"I'm confident going forward. I've got hard games but I know I can win them and I think I'll qualify for The O2."

Wright plays UK Open champion Gary Anderson in his opening fixture in Sheffield before returning to the stage against five-time World Champion Raymond van Barneveld.

The Scot knows that picking up four points on the night could prove crucial to his season, and added: "Raymond and Gary are great players and I have to look at Sheffield like I would a European Tour or some of the big TV events.

"It's two top players in one night and the only way to get what you want is by beating them all.

"It's starting to come together and I'm looking forward to the rest of the Premier League season."

Peter Wright (Lawrence Lustig, PDC)

Wright's Premier League clash with Daryl Gurney in Liverpool was played as news broke of Eric Bristow's death, and the pair emotionally embraced on stage at the end of the contest.

"It was a big shock," admitted Wright, who snatched a draw with a 12-darter in the deciding leg. "I found out just before my game so it was very emotional for me.

"The crowd were so amazing, singing his name and that’s what got me going.

"It was an emotional night but I just concentrated on trying to stay in the Premier League. Obviously Mensur was out before I played so the pressure was off a little but I still wanted to pick up the win."

The Unibet Premier League at The FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield will be broadcast live on Sky Sports from 7pm on Thursday, and aired worldwide through the PDC's international broadcast partners and for PDCTV-HD Subscribers outside of the UK, Ireland & Netherlands.

In addition, the Unibet Premier League will feature radio commentary throughout the season on talkSPORT and talkSPORT2. For further details of coverage, please visit www.talksport.co.uk.

Tickets for Thursday's Unibet Premier League at The FlyDSA Arena in Sheffield are still available via www.flydsaarena.co.uk and 0114 256 5656.

Unibet Premier League
Night Ten - April 12
The FlyDSA Arena, Sheffield

Raymond van Barneveld v Daryl Gurney
Gary Anderson v Peter Wright
Simon Whitlock v Michael van Gerwen
Michael Smith v Rob Cross
Raymond van Barneveld v Peter Wright
Tickets via www.flydsaarena.co.uk and 0114 256 5656