Peter Wright’s time as PDC world champion ended in disgrace at Alexandra Palace, when Kim Huybrechts earned the biggest victory of his career.
Wright sported a festive Christmas jersey on the green, but that was the only thing that shined as Huybrechts strolled to a 4-1 victory and a meeting with Dimitri van den Bergh in the round of 16.
“I defeated the name Peter Wright, but not the real Peter Wright,” Huybrechts told after the world’s No. 2 averaged just 91.28 points during the match and dropped below 80 in the third set. It is not Peter Wright.
I must be truthful about that. Typically, he is almost 20 times better than this. I simply executed my strategy, took my chances, and won. I accomplished what was necessary, but I will not be arrogant or conceited. But I’m pleased to go to the next round.”
Wright won the opening set, 3-0, and Huybrechts, who came to London fighting to remain in the top 32 in the world, appeared to be in trouble. However, he reclaimed the initiative by winning seven of the following eight legs, and a 67-point finish gave him a 3-1 lead.
Wright attempted a comeback in the fifth set, but he missed double 18 to extend the match, allowing Huybrechts to seal the victory in front of a stunned audience.
Gerwyn Price promised to capture his second world title after defeating Raymond van Barneveld for the first time on television. The feel-good story of this year’s competition was five-time winner Van Barneveld’s ascent up the rankings after having previously retired from the sport. However, the 55-year-old was defeated 4-0 by world No. 1 Price, who demonstrated that there is no room for emotion on darts’ grandest stage.
“Can I say I defeated Raymond on television? Price exclaimed, “Come on,” after avenging two losses to Van Barneveld at last month’s Grand Slam of Darts and ended a string of six consecutive defeats to the Dutchman. “In the Grand Slam, I repeatedly allowed Raymond to advance, but this time I was clinical. I’m pleased with that option. I’m the number one player in the world, and I’m here to win. I’m not here to pad the statistics.”
Price, the champion of the world in 2021, won the first set 3-1 with a perfect return on his doubles and the second set by the same score. Van Barneveld’s hopes for a comeback were revived by a magnificent 125 checkout (25-50-50), but he missed a double eight shot for the third set, allowing Price to pounce. The Welshman secured victory with a 128 finish (54-54-20) and will face either Ryan Searle or José de Sousa in the quarterfinals.
Gabriel Clemens of Germany won six of the last seven legs to defeat Jim Williams 4-3 in a nail-biting match. In an amazing match, Josh Rock defeated the tenth-seeded Nathan Aspinall by a score of 4-3.
