Big Order of Merit shifts as Wright becomes world number one

Peter Wright has moved to world number one on the PDC Order of Merit for the first time in his career following the 2022 Cazoo UK Open.

The reigning World Champion was knocked out at the last 16 stage, but with Gerwyn Price defending £40,000 going into the tournament, the Welshman needed to at least reach the final to retain his world number one ranking.

Price suffered defeat at the hands of Michael Smith in the quarter-finals, with Smith eventually losing in the final to Danny Noppert.

Despite the defeat, Smith moves up to a career-high fourth, leapfrogging Michael van Gerwen - who has dropped down to fifth - his lowest ranking in almost ten years.

Noppert’s first TV ranking title has seen him move into the top 16 for the first time in his career, with the £100,000 winners prize moving him up seven places into 12th.

Damon Heta, who saw off Van Gerwen and Jonny Clayton on his way to the quarter-finals in Minehead, is now the top-ranked Australian on the tour - moving ahead of Simon Whitlock into 23rd place.

Teenage sensation Keane Barry’s run to the semi-finals, where he picked up £20,000, means he moves up 14 places to a career-high 54th.

The 19-year-old produced some superb displays, including dispatching 2021 champion and new world number three James Wade in the quarter-finals.

Meanwhile, William O’Connor’s run to the last four - which included beating Wright - sees him move to 34th in the world.

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE PDC ORDER OF MERIT.