Wright set to face Smith in 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship final after thrilling win over Anderson

Peter Wright has his chance to become a two-time World Champion tomorrow evening as he faces Michael Smith in the final of the 2021/22 PDC World Darts Championship.

This after Wright came through a thriller with Gary Anderson 6-4 claiming the record for 180's with 24 in a match as well as a 104 average to deny his compatriot.

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Wright began the tie by reeling off three consecutive legs after losing the first to claim the opening set and despite losing the first leg again to begin the second set to a 116 checkout to break, Wright claimed it in a decider to go 2-0 up.

Anderson’s woes continued as Wright claimed another set to go halfway to the finishing line and claim three in a row in the process. But despite a 138 checkout from Wright, Anderson took out 92 in two double 18’s to make it 3-1 and show some fight yet.

It was within one after that for Anderson who produced a 105 checkout to claim it 3-1 to close the gap. Wright opened up the gap again though missing double 12 for a nine-dart finish but still closing out the set 3-1 to make it 4-2.

Anderson again hit back though to make it 4-3 as he looked to remain in touch and potentially claim parity. But again this was snatched away as Anderson missed 124 for 2-2 and Wright pinned double 16 to make it 5-3 and go one away from the final. 

Anderson as a result had to win the last three remaining sets to make the final and did the first part of the equation sealing the ninth set 3-1 to claw back to within one of his compatriot. 

He missed the second double 20 for a 100 checkout to make it 1-1 in the next set but with Wright on 195, Anderson returned for the next double 20.

Wright couldn’t claim 81 to hold and Anderson hit 104 and was throwing to level up at 5-5. Both hit 180’s and Wright hit a second of the leg as he went for 50 for a break back with Anderson unable to hit 170.

But Wright missed his chance as did Anderson off 87 on double five and ‘Snakebite’ hit double four to go within a leg.

Both exchanged 180’s again but Wright ended the thriller with a 116 checkout as Anderson stood there with a wry smile as he couldn’t quite complete the comeback.