Colourful Suffolk darts star Peter ‘Snakebite’ Wright played his part in a fiery Premier League Darts encounter against Michael van Gerwen last night.
The pair could not be separated in an entertaining 6-6 draw, but van Gerwen labelled Mendham-based star Wright “unprofessional” for stopping and encouraging the crowd to cheer when Wright needed a double top for a 160 finish.
Van Gerwen took out an early 120 finish to break and lead 2-1, only for Wright to reply with checkouts of 101 and 158 as he held a slender lead - but the Dutchman finished 145 in the tenth leg before sharing the final two to take a point.
Wright is the only player without a win in the tournament so far, and sits at the bottom of the league table after week five, but has gained creditable draws in his last three games against Raymond van Barneveld, Phil Taylor, and van Gerwen.
Of last night’s performance, Wright, who will begin his Coral UK Open quest this evening in the Third Round in Minehead against Steve Beaton, added: “It’s another point for me but I’m still not happy with how I’m playing because I’m doing better than this in practice, so it’s frustrating.
“I’ve played three fantastic players in the last three weeks, Raymond van Barneveld, Phil Taylor and Michael van Gerwen and got a point off each of them, so I’m happy with that - but I’ll be happier to get a win.
“I’m getting there and I’m a fighter. I’m not going to give up and I’m here to do a job, as these other guys are, so I’m not going to roll over and have my belly tickled by these guys.
“They’re fantastic players but so am I, and I’m not even playing well yet, so watch out! I’ve played three “
A frustrated van Gerwen said: “I got frustrated with myself because I didn’t play my game and I wasn’t at my best.
“He had a couple of good finishes but my focus wasn’t there for some reason and I’m a bit gutted. Sometimes you have to be happy with a point but you always want to win.
“I didn’t lose the game and I’m still unbeaten, but I need to play better next time. I’ve got to focus on playing in the UK Open tomorrow now.”
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