Two-time champion averaged just 79.20
Wattimena, Rydz and Meikle all through to third round
Peter Wright’s confidence was wildly misplaced after he crashed out of the world championship on Tuesday. Arno Merk ensured the two-time champion will not be returning to Alexandra Palace after Christmas, winning 3-0 as the Scot averaged just 79.20.
Wright had claimed he was definitely going to win this tournament, but Merk, on debut, was full value for the win and it denied the possibility of a third-round match between Wright and Michael van Gerwen – a repeat of the 2020 final.
The pair were involved in an exchange of words last week after Wright said Van Gerwen’s eyesight had been faltering, with the Dutchman responding by suggesting the women he has been dating shows his eyes are just fine.
