Late-match surge sees Peter Wright recover from 8-5 down to see off Danny Noppert and make it into European Championship final

Peter Wright has become the first man into the final at the 2023 European Championship in Dortmund. 'Snakebite' looked in trouble at 8-5 down but a late-match surge saw the Scot win the last six legs and secure victory.

After a pair of holds in the opening two legs, it was Noppert that got the first break of throw in leg 3. 'The Freeze' cleaning up a brilliant 120 with Wright waiting on 16 to nudge infront at 2-1. Having started slowly in his quarter-final against Gerwyn Price, Noppert wasn't making the same mistake again and held throw in leg 4 to go two legs clear after Wright had wired the bullseye for a break back. 'Snakebite' would take the last leg of the first session. 3-2 Noppert as the players headed off-stage.

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After the break, a second 120 outshot of the match for the Dutchman restored his two leg advantage at 4-2. Peter Wright though was beginning to find his feet and thanks in part to 180s in back-to-back legs and a missed dart at double from Noppert, 'Snakebite' pulled back to level terms at 4-4. The former World Champion was unable to capitalise on this mini burst however, as the momentum switched again with Noppert taking the final two legs of the session to head off at the break 6-4 in front, taking leg 10 with another ton-plus finish, 110 this time.

Wright pulled back within one after the break before Noppert fired in his fourth 100+ checkout of the match, to lead 7-5 via a 143. A ruthless 75 checkout in leg 13 whilst Wright was waiting on 36, then saw Noppert secure the double break and move three legs clear. That double break wouldn't last long though as Wright continued to fight to stay in contact with an immediate break back and despite numerous missed darts at double in leg 15, got back to one behind at 8-7.

After the break, a third straight 'Snakebite' leg made it all square before a hold of throw nudged the Scotsman infront at 9-8. After his immense comeback in the quarter-finals, Noppert was suddenly on the receiving end of a late-game charge. As Noppert threatened a complete collapse, Wright moved a leg away from victory at 10-8 and a few moments later 'Snakebite' secured a sixth straight leg for a fabulous comeback and a place in the final.

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