Die Darts World Cup is finally starting again!
Right in the middle of the defending champion Peter Wright (52). In the first round he shows no weakness and sweeps Mickey Mansell 3:0 in sentences from the legendary “Ally Pally”.
The World Cup final of records Messi and Mbappe against the history books
As is so often the case, the Scot delivered a real spectacle before the game started. As the Grinch in Santa Claus costume, he dances onto the stage to his warm-up song. As usual, the 3,200 fans echo “Don’t stop the paaaarty”.
The Darts World Championship is also a great relief for Wright. His Joane is in London with him, accompanied by her father. The darts champion’s wife had to be hospitalized a few weeks ago with severe pain. After the gallbladder was removed, it was found that a slit had formed in the bile duct and that fluid was leaking out.
Ahead of the tournament, Wright told BILD: “It was a terrible time for all of us. We didn’t know what was happening. But we’ve been through the worst. She’s on the mend! That’s the most important thing.” During the ordeal, Wright had taken a break from darts tournaments.
Now his wife is back – and the defending champion delivers!
Of course, as a Grinch, gloves were a must
His opponent Mickey Mansell had to play before the match. At the opening of the World Cup he played against Ben Rob (3:1) in the first round. Wright was set for the 2nd round as world champion, he now continues on December 27th.
Wright doesn’t need to unpack his best game against Mansell. Mansell is only averaging 77.5 points with a catastrophic 14.3 percent double rate. But Wright’s average (average value of the three darts) of 88 points and the double rate of 39 percent still leave a lot of room for improvement.
Clear victory for Peter Wright
Except in the first leg of the first set: Wright brings home the win with an average of 112 points. Among other things, he makes a 121 with the bullseye. Strong!
The first set goes to him 3-1, the second 3-0. In the third round, Wright doesn’t even let the underdog get close. Again with 3:0 he brings it home confidently.
In the games before that there were the first surprises: Grant Sampson knocked out Keane Barry. Sampson’s secret for the World Cup: he trains in a pub next to his hotel. In the next round it’s against Kim Huybrechts.
Jermaine Wattimena also has to make the earlier journey home. The Dutchman busted out in a thrilling match against Nathan Rafferty. He now has to face fellow favorite Michael Smith.
The results of the 1st World Cup day
1 round
Mickey Mansell – Ben Robb 3:1
Keane Barry – Grant Sampson 1:3
Jermain Wattimena – Nathan Rafferty 2:3
2nd round
Peter Wright – Mickey Mansell 3:0
