PETER WRIGHT defied illness to splutter into the last 16 after a World Championship masterclass.
The double champ out-gunned Jermaine ‘Machine Gun’ Wattimena 4-2 at the Ally Pally last night.
2
It was a nightmare build-up to the clash for both players with Snakebite suffering from a chest infection.
Meanwhile Wattimena cut a finger carving the ham on Christmas Day and needed stitches in hospital.
But in the end, it was the Scot who was sharpest when it really mattered.
Wright didn’t do his stage dance because of illness and struggled to talk in the post-match interview.
But he said: “I think Jermaine felt sorry for me. But it wasn’t affecting my darts. I was holding my breath.
“Not bad for an old guy, it’s about experience. Hopefully I’ll feel better for the next one.
“Since I left the Ally Pally before Christmas I’ve been in bed for about three days. I didn’t have much practice.
“It wasn’t ideal preparation. It’s a totally different game up on that stage. It makes you play on the Ally Pally stage.”
In truth, this was the best performance from Wright since winning the title at the Ally Pally three years ago.
Despite repeatedly coughing, Wright didn’t choke on the board with an excellent opening set, taking it with a cool 88 finish.
Damon Heta stuns World Darts Championship crowd with incredible nine-darter and even his opponent celebrates
Wrighty then doubled his lead with double eight as the big Dutchman toiled on his checkouts.
Wattimena then woke up with a stunning 144 finish to peg a set back, a huge blow with Wright on a finish to go three sets up.
But Snakey re-established his two-set cushion with a wonderful bull finish 87. However Wattimena wasn’t finished and hit back to take the next set with tops.
However the Scot ended a wonderful performance with a quality 68 finish.
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
