Peter Wright sends retirement message as Luke Littler upset predicted | Other | Sport

Darts star Peter Wright has issued a defiant retirement message by saying he is able to defeat teen sensation Luke Littler. The 54-year-old is thru to the third spherical at Alexandra Palace and can be assured he may even defy the chances to safe his third World Darts Championship title.

On Tuesday night time, Wright unconvincingly defeated Wesley Plaisier 3-1 to advance to the third spherical. The 2-time world champion will face the Netherlands’ Jermaine Wattimena subsequent. ‘Snakebite’ has struggled for kind all through 2024 however feels he’s returning to his finest at Ally Pally, the place he received the world title in 2020 and 2022.

Put up-match, Wright took a swipe at those that had beforehand prompt he ought to retire or transfer on to the senior darts circuit. The 2-time champion has insisted he’s ready to tackle all challengers, together with reigning champion Luke Humphries and 17-year-old expertise and favorite Littler.

When requested if he had ever had doubts about turning outcomes round, Wright replied: “No. Individuals say, ‘you have to be retiring, you have to be going to the previous gits’ factor’. I’m not prepared for that but. I’m able to upset Luke Littler. I’m right here to upset Luke Humphries.”

When it comes to his expectations for the event, Wright stated: “Clearly, win it. The shape wasn’t there, however I imagine I can win it.”

Humphries and darts sensation Littler are among the many favourites to triumph at Ally Pally. Wright admitted that the pair are a supply of motivation for him however boldly predicts that Humphries will finally lose to the legendary Raymond van Barneveld.

“What drives me on? Luke Humphries and Luke Littler, that’s what drives me on as a result of I do know I can nonetheless compete with them,” Wright stated. “What I’m doing in follow, I can compete with these guys and truly be higher than them.

“I’m 54, arising 55 in March, and Gary [Anderson] spurs me on as effectively. These little previous guys can nonetheless do it.

“I imagine Barney will beat Luke after which me and Barney, once I beat Wattimena, can have the most effective sport you’ve ever seen on that stage. Me and Barney. So, Barney, get your finger out!”

Van Barneveld will face both Nick Kenny or Stowe Buntz within the second spherical on Saturday night, and the victor of that tie will face Humphries within the subsequent stage. The event bracket signifies that Wright and Van Barneveld might doubtlessly meet within the fourth spherical. In the meantime, Littler will face Ryan Meikle within the second spherical on Saturday night time proper after Van Barneveld performs.