Reigning champion Peter Wright is relishing the prospect of going under the radar at this year’s Cazoo World Darts Championship, as he aims to create further history at Alexandra Palace.
Wright is eyeing his third World Championship title in four years in the £2.5 million showpiece, although his recent focus has been dominated by the health of his wife, Jo.
Jo was rushed to hospital with a collapsed lung during last month’s Grand Slam of Darts in Wolverhampton, after suffering complications following a gallbladder operation.
However, after a traumatic few weeks, Jo received positive news from her surgeon last Thursday, and a relieved Wright insists he can now focus on retaining the coveted Sid Waddell Trophy.
“Jo’s really good now, we’ve got through all the bad bits. She’s recovering well and has received an all-clear from all the doctor and surgeons,” revealed the world number two.
“Obviously when we got the news it was a big relief. So now I’ve got a few days to concentrate on my darts.
“I’ve been on the practice board, but I was just like a zombie, my head was not there at all. It’s been hard work. That’s all changed now.”
Wright’s focus now switches to Thursday’s opening night, when he begins his title defence against former World Cup semi-finalist Mickey Mansell or New Zealand’s number one Ben Robb.
The Scot has not thrown a competitive dart since the Grand Slam after withdrawing from the recent Players Championship Finals, but he’s confident of hitting the ground running on his return.
“I’ve got my first round game against Mickey Mansell or Ben Robb, it’s going to be a difficult match,” conceded Wright, who is without a televised title since his World Championship exploits in January.
“If I play to my ability then I should be through and playing after Christmas. That’s my plan and hopefully that happens.
“I feel great now. My game has always been there to be honest. It’s not been far away and I know what it takes to win the World Championship.”
Wright’s thrilling victory over Michael Smith 12 months ago saw him become only the sixth player in PDC history to win multiple World Championship titles.
The 52-year-old is now bidding to become the first Scottish player to claim a hat-trick of titles in darts’ biggest event, as he looks to overhaul his compatriots Gary Anderson and Jocky Wilson.
“I’m looking forward to it,” admitted Wright, who became the oldest first-time winner of the Sid Waddell Trophy following his 2020 success.
“It would mean a lot if I can win it back-to-back and join the elite to win it three times in the PDC - only Phil Taylor and Michael [van Gerwen] have done that.
“I think I can go and win it again. It’s coming anyway, I’m going to win five or maybe six.”
However, three-time champion Van Gerwen has been touted as the player to beat at Alexandra Palace, after scooping five televised titles in a sensational 2022 campaign.
The Dutchman has celebrated Premier League, World Matchplay, World Grand Prix and Players Championship Finals wins over recent months, capping off his remarkable resurgence.
Newly crowned Grand Slam champion Michael Smith and top seed Gerwyn Price will also be among the leading contenders in the capital, and Wright is hoping to fly under the radar.
“I always call myself the underdog. I’ve not won as many titles as Michael [van Gerwen],” added Wright, an 11/1 shot with official betting partner Ladbrokes to retain his crown.
“By rights Michael should be favourite because of what he’s won this year. I’m going to be Mr Low Key.
“I’ll let them concentrate on each other. Gezzy, Michael [van Gerwen] and Michael Smith, let everyone talk about them. Then see who’s in the final.
“I will just concentrate on taking Big Sid back home again. The rest of it will just follow.”
2022/23 Cazoo World Darts Championship
Thursday December 15 (1900 GMT)
3x First Round, 1x Second Round
Mickey Mansell v Ben Robb (R1)
Keane Barry v Grant Sampson (R1)
Jermaine Wattimena v Nathan Rafferty (R1)
Peter Wright v Mansell/Robb (R2)