| Reading time: 2 minutes
Ein Einstand made-to-measure looks different. Scotland’s Peter Wright botched his first tournament as world number one. On his 52nd birthday, “Snakebite” lost his Premier League opening match once morest Welshman Jonny Clayton in Brighton 5-6 and was eliminated straight away.
Wright, who became world champion for the second time in January, replaced the Welshman Gerwyn Price as the leader of darts at the UK Open last weekend and took over the position as world number one for the first time.
The tournament victory on the fifth day of the Premier League was secured by Dutchman Michael van Gerwen, who won the final once morest Michael Smith from England 6:4 late Thursday evening. For Smith, the final curse continues.
Van Gerwen, on the other hand, won his second Premier League night. He now leads the table with 14 points ahead of Wright and Clayton (both 10). “It’s been a while since I listed a table somewhere,” said van Gerwen on “Sky Sports”. “Feel good. That gives me self-confidence.” His double victory makes him particularly happy in a situation in which everyone doubted him.
Price has to take a break
Price, who was replaced as number one, had to forego a start in the Premier League on Thursday evening due to a hand injury. “The Iceman” will not compete at the tournament in Hildesheim this weekend either.
“My apologies to everyone, this wasn’t the easiest decision,” Price wrote. He needs a few days rest now. The 37-year-old clarified that he sustained his injury in an accident and not while boxing for a good cause.