Livingston-born darts ace Peter Wright made a winning start to his PDC World Championship defence as he eyes up a second straight title.
The 50-year-old had been the sport's nearly man for years with a history of going deep in tournaments but always falling short. That all changed last year, though, when he defeated Michael van Gerwen to lift the crown.
And an Tuesday the flamboyant ‘Snakebite’ defeated Steve West 3-1 in Tuesday night’s second round clash – while dressed as The Grinch.
The current world no.2 will next be in action after Christmas with third round play set to get underway on December 27. This year’s final at the Alexandra Palace is on January 3.
Speaking to the press prior to the tournament getting underway, he reflected on a challenging year since taking the crown.
He said: “I was looking forward to doing the World Series, going to New York – the Big Apple – playing there.
“Then going to Australia and New Zealand as world champion, which would have been great for all my fans out there. But everyone has had to go through it. It has been horrible.
“Obviously it is what every darts player dreams of – winning that trophy. Not just winning it but all the hard work you and your family have gone through, all the years, all the hours of practice, all the travelling, the things you miss out on.
“It has been a miserable year for everybody. Hopefully it all comes back.”
