Peter Wright is the first player to get points on the board but had to produce a remarkable comeback in order to get through in the first Group B match at the Champions League of Darts.
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It was very scrappy from both Wright and Gurney throughout with mid eighties averages from the duo; but it was Gurney who claimed an early lead only for him to be pegged back from 4-1 and 6-4 up. 'Snakebite' will take on the winner of Rob Cross against Gerwyn Price; while Gurney will face the loser.
Both players started well with Wright lighting up the crowd with a 180 among the 140's. They both fluffed their lines though when it came to the finish to dispel that brilliant start and Gurney claimed an early break on double five.
Gurney stormed into a 3-0 lead; with Wright averaging in the early 80's despite his form at the start of the week hitting that record average.
Wright hit a timely 140 which brought him down to 80; but he missed 20 drifting into the five but he was given two more chances and he took it with the final dart in hand with 1, double one.
Gurney hit another 180 to take his tally up to three to take control of the requisite leg; but with Wright way back he was given another chance and didn't make another mistake going 4-1 up.
Wright though claimed a break back meaning if he could hold his throw successfully he was only a leg behind. He missed a golden opportunity though in the form of a 74 checkout and a 104 checkout saw Gurney back with a three leg cushion at 5-2 up.
Wright strayed into the double five going for a 100 checkout; but wasn't punished again by Gurney in an exhibition of poor finishing from the pair. As a result, 'Snakebite' clawed another leg back to go 5-3 behind.
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The back and forth continued; with Gurney going 6-3 up as the break approaches. At the break though, despite the poor standard, it was Wright that came back to go only two behind at 6-4.
Wright held his throw finally and cut the gap down to just one after the interval with a 68 finish. He continued to claw it back; with a crucial break of throw on double 16 to tie it up at 6-6.
'Superchin' left 68 after 12 but a 125 from Wright put the pressure on the Northern Irishman and he buckled. Wright as a result hit the front at 7-6 up.
The stalemate continued at 7-7 as Gurney held the throw. Wright missed a Shanghai 120 checkout; but was well ahead of Gurney so went ahead again as the conclusion to the match was coming up to being reached.
Wright hit a 76 checkout to go one away; with yet again another break of throw and from there a brilliant leg on throw with a 70 checkout finished it off for the Scot; who finished off a remarkable comeback.
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Click here for more information on the Champions League of Darts as darts debuts on TV in Leicester.
Champions League of Darts schedule, day one
Afternoon session
Daryl Gurney (85.80) 7-10 (89.76) Peter Wright (Group B)
14:30 Rob Cross v Gerwyn Price (Group B)
15:30 Michael Smith v Gary Anderson (Group A)
16:30 Michael van Gerwen v James Wade (Group A)
Afternoon session
Daryl Gurney (85.80) 7-10 (89.76) Peter Wright (Group B)
14:30 Rob Cross v Gerwyn Price (Group B)
15:30 Michael Smith v Gary Anderson (Group A)
16:30 Michael van Gerwen v James Wade (Group A)
https://twitter.com/OfficialPDC/status/1185547011740884993?s=20
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