"It's going to be a really tough one for Peter Wright": Former world champion fears for 'Snakebite' ahead of Noa Lynn van Leuven meeting

Peter Wright will walk on stage at the Ally Pally lighter, sharper and sounding more upbeat than he has for months, yet former world champion Glen Durrant believes the two time winner is entering one of the most precarious openings of his entire career.

Wright begins his 2026 PDC World Darts Championship campaign against Noa Lynn van Leuven and has spent recent weeks fine tuning his throw with Durrant. But even after seeing clear improvements, the former Lakeside winner senses danger for the 54-year-old.

“He is looking incredible and he has lost a lot of weight,” Durrant said in quotes collected by Oche180.

“He still believes, he is still tinkering away. He is a unique character and I am a massive Peter Wright fan. However, I just get the sense that it’s going to be a really tough one for Peter.”

While Wright has mapped out his potential route through the tournament, Durrant views Gary Anderson as the Scot with the best chance of mounting a deep run. Despite inconsistent form and a famously relaxed approach to practice, Durrant believes the two time world champion retains a level of natural ability that very few can match.

“He is impossible to read,” Durrant said. “There is no better thrower of darts out there. He is one of the biggest 180 hitters I have seen in my life. If he is bang on, he can lift that trophy once again.”

Durrant also highlighted the contrast between Anderson’s casual demeanour and the intensity of the younger generation pushing through the field. “These younger players who are coming through, they are fearless,” he said. “It is just whether over the next two or three weeks, does Gary Anderson still have the fire inside him.”

Cameron Menzies is another Scot entering the event with a complicated draw. He meets Charlie Manby, a fast emerging prospect who has impressed across the exhibition and Super Series circuits. Durrant expects a difficult test.

“Charlie Manby is exciting talent,” he said. “That is a hard start.”

The pundit also pointed to Jamai van den Herik as one of the most dangerous young Dutch players arriving at the tournament, though it was Martin Schindler who earned his backing as a potential surprise package.

“I think we are going to see a good run from Martin Schindler,” Durrant said. “I have been hearing that the German darts fans are going to be coming over in serious numbers. Having that support and the momentum that it can give you as a player at that tournament can really help.”

Wright’s own preparations have focused on belief, planning and the same relentless self belief that helped carry him to two world titles. Durrant revealed that Wright has already projected where he thinks he can go.

“He is already plotting his way to the quarter finals, maybe the semis,” he said. “He has worked out his draw.”

That confidence is classic Wright. But as Durrant suggested, the opening hurdle may say more about Wright’s current reality than the projected path beyond it.

Durrant’s assessment paints a fascinating picture of Scotland’s five man contingent. Wright looks prepared but vulnerable. Menzies enters a minefield. Anderson could either threaten for the title or slip away quietly. And lurking behind them all is a wave of fearless newcomers. For Wright especially, the first night may tell the whole story.