‘He won’t admit it’ – Peter Wright claims darts rival Michael van Gerwen is losing his eyesight but won’t confess to it
PETER WRIGHT has humorously claimed Michael van Gerwen is losing his eyesight as both men compete for the Darts World Championship.
After advancing past Noa-Lynn van Leuven in straight sets on Monday, Snakebite was asked in his press conference about the younger generation seemingly starting to dominate the sport.
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Even at 36 years old, Van Gerwen is now being branded a veteran of the sportCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
Peter Wright still believes he can capture his third world title this yearCredit: Shutterstock Editorial
The 55 year old said there is only one difference between the young players and guys like Gary Anderson, Van Gerwen and himself.
Wright said: “I think their eyesight’s better than ours — that’s about it.
“Obviously Gary’s on the glasses or contacts. I don’t know if Michael’s wearing contacts at the moment.
“But I think MVG’s vision is probably going — but he won’t admit it.”
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Anderson is 54, but Van Gerwen is actually 19 years Wright’s junior. The Dutchman is actually closer in age to 18-year-old Luke Littler than Wright – just.
Wright’s rivalry with Van Gerwen goes back to when he burst onto the scene at the World Finals 11 years ago. Wright lost that final 7-4 and would lose his next nine televised finals against MVG.
That was until he won the Worlds in 2020 and again in 2022.
MVG still has a commanding head-to-head record over the Scot, but Wright insists he’d love to face the Dutchman this year again as he chases his third world title.
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Wright said: “Years ago, I used to play Michael van Gerwen at his peak, he was like the GOAT. It was a privilege to play him in so many finals.
“I’d bring an extra gear or two because you’ll need it against Michael.
“I want to play him. He’s got to win, I’ve got to win. I’d love that for the TV crowd. I want to beat him.”
Wright has Arno Merk next, the German who opened the entire tournament and celebrated in a London pub.
Next up for Van Gerwen is a date with Mitsuhiko Tatsunami on Thursday.
