"Why am I not going to be in Blackpool? When I win this one, that’s £35,000": Peter Wright hits back at notion of improbable World Matchplay qualification

Peter Wright took down Zoran Lerchbacher 6-2 to reach the second round at the Austrian Darts Open and will now aim to topple the defending champion later today in Martin Schindler.

But for Wright, given his pretty indifferent form as of late over the past 18 months or so, he is left lamenting what could be. Speaking to DartsNews post-match, he said that he needs to pull his finger out, but also hit back at the notion that he wasn't currently qualified for the World Matchplay, saying if he wins the title, that'll soon change.

"It was nice to be in a different venue and to experience the practice area as well. It’s totally different compared to the past couple of years in Austria when we were playing in a tent, and it was like a sauna," said Wright to DartsNews.

“It was really nice, the crowd was really good, I enjoyed it, and I’m happy to get the win. Obviously, Zoran is a fantastic player. After the first leg, I think the nerves kicked in for him a little bit. I had a little bit of nerves as well, to be honest, because I’m fed up with the money not going on the rankings. But it’s only down to me. I’ve got to pull my finger out.”

But given that he has now played up on that stage, Wright said he should have no excuses in reality when it comes to now facing off against Martin Schindler. “Yeah, definitely. Obviously it affects the seedings in the next round as well. For example, it’s a disadvantage for Martin Schindler when I play him tomorrow because I’ve already been up there, had a practice, won a game and seen what the crowd is like. He’s not playing in his home country, so I should have no excuses.”

As alluded to, he hit back at the notion that he wasn't going to be playing at the World Matchplay and World Grand Prix and hasn't given up hope yet. “Why am I not going to be in Blackpool? When I win this one, that’s £35,000, and I only need maybe another £10,000 on top of that. There are plenty of tournaments in between. Yes, I chose not to go to two upcoming European Tour events, but I can make that up in the Players Championship events. So yes, I still will be at Blackpool, but I won’t be in the World Cup, and I shouldn’t be in the World Cup because I’m not playing well enough.”

But while that frustration is there, it isn't stopping his practice and what he is trying to get out desperately, as well as the fact that he isn't part of the so-called darting elite anymore. "Definitely. It’s just taking time to come out. It’s annoying for my fans and annoying for myself.”

“I don’t feel more nerves. It gives you no excuse not to be prepared. Before, you were coming here straight from the Premier League or the World Series events, so you already had experience of playing the top seven players in the world because you were one of the eight.

“That’s the only thing I miss, playing against the best of the best. But I’m getting older and I’m enjoying the game more now than I used to. I’ve just got to concentrate on certain things, certain tournaments, and do well in them. This is one I’d like to win.”

While he has left that upper echelon though, he said that it does have perks in having time off and not being on the road 24/7 anymore. “To be honest, I didn’t really do anything. I just enjoyed the time off and did things around the house, well, Jo gave me jobs around the house!

“But yeah, I just enjoyed life in general because when you’re a Premier League player, you don’t really get time to enjoy your family and friends because you’re always on the road trying to please the fans and improve as a darts player.”

But as ever he left the interview with a bold prediction and that being that he would be lifting the World title for a third time, beating Luke Littler in the final. "At the end of the year when I’m lifting the World Championship! Yeah, I’m going to win it. Hopefully, I play Luke Littler in the final. If not, Luke Humphries, because they’re the best two players in the world.”