''Would be a great way to kickstart my year” - Peter Wright determined to hit form by retaining European Championship

Peter Wright will start this week as the defending champion at the 2024 European Championship. 'Snakebite' managed to win the 2023 edition of the prestigious tournament in Dortmund, taking the title for the second time by beating James Wade in the final.

Wright had a difficult start to the European Tour season this year, but still provided a highlight in September by winning the German Darts Championship in Hildesheim. Thanks to this performance, Wright begins as the No. 10 seed at the European Championship this time around. ''Winning this trophy last year meant a lot to me,'' said the two-time world champion in conversation with the PDC. “I showed I can still mix it with the very best, and I think some of my performances over the last few months have shown I’m still more than capable of beating anybody in the world.''

The 54-year-old Scot will face Jermaine Wattimena in the first round of the European Championship on Friday night. It will be the 22nd time Wright and Wattimena have faced each other, with 'Snakebite' managing to win seventeen of the previous 21 duels. In 2018, they also met in the first round of the European Championship, and on that occasion, the win went 6-0 to Wright.

Wright, however, is apprehensive about the qualities of his Dutch opponent. “I’m expecting a tough game against Jermaine. He’s had a strong year on the European Tour, but if I play my own game, I know I can have another great weekend in Dortmund,'' he explains.

The current world number 14 is looking forward to playing again in a venue packed full of German fans, where Wright can usually count on a lot of support. “I always get incredible support from the fans in Germany, and with so many big tournaments coming up, retaining this title would be a great way to kickstart my year.”