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Reigning world champion Peter Wright has thrown shade at his rivals for the World Grand Prix title and believe that ‘they’re not good enough’ as he aims to lift the double-start title for the first time in his illustrious career.
Wright ended his five-year wait for a European Tour title last month and has enjoyed a new lease to his career since having surgery to remove his gallbladder in the summer.
The current world number two heavily criticised his counterparts following his opening round victory in Leicester, despite Michael van Gerwen being the reigning Premier League and World Matchplay champion and Danny Noppert having won the UK Open in March.
“I was told today that I’m back to world number one and Gezzy’s got to go and win it. The old guy still pushing everyone’s button and annoying them,” the 52-year-old told Online Darts. “I didn’t know what darts I was using until the last five minutes before I walked on stage. I can use any darts and beat anybody.
“I’ve hardly practised at all this week – maybe four hours – and the longest practice I had was tonight coming here. I don’t think they’re good enough anymore. Gezzy’s probably the second best at the moment but the rest have to go back to the practice board and practise harder.”
Price later responded: “Peter’s been absolute rubbish this year. I’m not chasing the world number one spot. I’m sure over the next few months I’ll get it back. I think Peter knows he’s number three in the world, Michael’s number two and I’m number one. Talk is cheap.”
Wright recorded a 94.36 average and 55 percent on the finishing doubles in a straight sets win over Kim Huybrechts on Monday evening, although the scoreline didn’t reflect the nature of the contest and the Belgian had his fair share of chances.
The 2018 runner-up faces Poland’s Krzysztof Ratajski in the second round but he has already staked his claim for glory, similar to when he was crowned World Matchplay and world champion last season and had previously told everybody he was going to win them both.
“Kim should have won the first set and I told him that backstage,” Wright added. “I’ve been there in the past when I’ve given people presents. I’ve given too many presents this year. No more presents for people, even at Christmas time – I’m taking them all for myself.
“It’s a stupid tournament, isn’t it? Who invented this?” he laughed. “I should be good at this as I used to play one leg double-start in my local league. The only time I got my head around it was when I got to the final.
“I told Colin Lloyd that if I got through the first round, then I’ll win it. I haven’t won it yet and it’s on my agenda. I’ve gotten to the final before but wasn’t experienced enough to take it off Michael at the time because he was untouchable compared to any other player in the world.”
