Defending champion Wright opens up PDC World Darts Championship campaign with straight sets win over Mansell

Peter Wright will return after Christmas after opening up his bid for a third World title at the 2022/23 PDC World Darts Championship with a straight sets win over Mickey Mansell 3-0 at the Alexandra Palace.

While not at his best, Wright showed encouraging signs at times after not playing since early November at the Grand Slam of Darts due to the health of his wife Jo who returned with his latest Christmas effort featuring the grinch sleeves worn two years ago during the infamous only night of fans due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

He didn't need to be at his best in truth with Mansell who beat Ben Robb in the first match of the evening not able to produce with only a 77.50 average, while 'Snakebite' sat at two 180's, two 100+ checkouts including a 126 checkout.

Double four was pinned by Wright for the opening leg which featured two 140’s. He missed double 14 for a 108 but returned only to bust double seven.

Mansell couldn’t go for two double 20’s on 100 and Wright faced the same equation and missed again allowing the Clonoe Cyclone a break back on double 10. A 121 checkout saw Wright go one away from the opening set which he sealed with a 59 checkout on double 20.

Three straight legs saw Wright seal the second set with ease and he went one away from the win with a 126 checkout. A 68 checkout saw Wright claim it.