In the hallowed halls of Alexandra Palace, the PDC World Darts Championship once again proved why it’s the pinnacle of the sport, delivering shocks that reverberate through the darts world. On a bustling Tuesday afternoon session just before the Christmas break, two-time champion Peter Wright, the flamboyant Scottish star known as “Snakebite,” suffered a devastating second-round exit, falling in straight sets to German debutant Arno Merk in a match that left fans stunned.
Wright, who lifted the Sid Waddell Trophy in 2020 and 2022, entered the tournament with bold predictions, confidently declaring beforehand that he was “definitely going to win” this year’s event. Dressed in a festive outfit complete with his trademark colorful mohawk, he made his characteristic entertaining walk-on to the Ally Pally stage, whipping the crowd into a frenzy. However, any hopes of a deep run evaporated quickly against the unheralded Merk, ranked world No. 166, who had already impressed by knocking out Kim Huybrechts in the first round.
The match was a one-sided affair from the outset. Merk, playing with the freedom of a newcomer unburdened by expectation, stormed into a commanding lead. He whitewashed the opening set 3-0, highlighted by a stunning 122 checkout that left Wright reeling. The Scot struggled terribly on doubles, going 0-for-4 in that set alone while posting a dismal average around 78.6. Merk maintained his momentum, conceding just one leg in the second set to surge 2-0 ahead. Wright managed to win a solitary leg in each of the remaining sets, but it was nowhere near enough. The German sealed the victory with an 81 checkout in the third set, completing a comprehensive 3-0 triumph (3-0, 3-1, 3-1 in sets). Wright’s overall average slumped to a shocking 79.20, a far cry from the form that has seen him dominate the biggest stages in the past.
For Merk, the 33-year-old who only secured his spot by winning the PDC Europe Super League in November, the win was a dream come true. Visibly emotional on stage, he shared his disbelief: “I am stunned, I can’t believe it, I just beat a legend, I am so happy. I started practising six months ago and I am now earning my work. It means everything. I am so proud to make my family proud. If I play like this I can be dangerous for anybody.” His composure and clinical finishing—averaging over 92—marked him as a potential dark horse, setting up a tantalizing third-round clash with three-time champion Michael van Gerwen, who advanced earlier in the session.
The defeat capped a difficult 2025 for the 55-year-old Wright, who has been on a downward trajectory since his last major successes. He has struggled for consistency, dropping in the rankings and failing to reach deep stages in recent televised events. This early exit likely pushes him outside the top 32, intensifying questions about his future in the sport. Rival Michael van Gerwen, fresh off his own victory, didn’t hold back in his assessment, suggesting it might be “time to retire” for the Scot, adding that he wasn’t surprised given Wright’s recent form. The comments stemmed from recent banter between the pair, but they underscored the brutal honesty that defines darts’ elite level.
Yet, amid the disappointment, Wright’s legacy remains intact. His colorful personality, innovative dart setups, and comeback stories have endeared him to fans worldwide, turning him into one of the most recognizable figures in the game. This loss denies a potential blockbuster third-round rematch with Van Gerwen—a repeat of their epic 2020 final—and shifts focus to emerging talents like Merk, who embody the championship’s magic: anyone can beat anyone on this stage.
As the tournament pauses for Christmas before resuming, this upset joins a growing list of seeded casualties, with 17 of the top 32 already eliminated before the break. It highlights the depth and unpredictability of modern darts, where veterans must continually adapt or risk being overtaken by hungry newcomers. For Wright, it’s a bitter pill just days before the holidays, but his passionate fanbase will hope he channels this setback into renewed fire for 2026. Meanwhile, Merk’s Cinderella story adds another layer of intrigue to a championship building toward its January 3 climax, promising more drama in the iconic Ally Pally cauldron.
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