Former champion Peter Wright's dismal season continues as he was dumped out with ease by Andrew Gilding in a 10-5 win for the former UK Open champion at the World Matchplay in only his second ever win at the Winter Gardens.
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Gilding now faces the winner of the final match between Dave Chisnall and Krzysztof Ratajski which will come next up before the Euro 2024 final.
But for Wright who was poor in the Premier League and hasn't done much else after his inclusion in the weekly roadshow was criticised, he will have to go back to the drawing board and quick as it doesn't seem to be getting any easier for 'Snakebite' to gain wins or confidence.
Gilding took advantage of a dismal start from Wright. He was 4-1 up in double quick time including a 71 checkout to cement that. Wright hit back with a 121 checkout on the bull to go 4-3 down and after both missed a ton of darts, he made it 4-4.
But Gilding edged ahead again. Wright missed five darts for a level game and Gilding took advantage to lead 6-4. He extended that to 7-4. Wright missed 135 on the bull for 7-5 down. But Gilding couldn't make him pay on 105. 'Snakebite' was looking at 48 as a result and missed two at double 20. Gilding looked at 60 and hit double 20 to make it 8-4 and he was throwing to go one away.
Wright stopped the rot of sorts albeit with it being on his throw so he was only 8-5 down with Gilding throwing to go one away. He left 86 with Wright not on a finish yet. 'Snakebite' could only pressure with a 60 meaning likely six at 86. He missed two for 9-5 but returned to hit that mark.
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Gilding hit 134 to leave double 18 with Wright needing 164 to stay in the match and 'Goldfinger' sealed it.
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