In a stunning upset at the PDC World Darts Championship, two-time champion Peter Wright has been unceremoniously dumped out of the tournament in the second round. Wright, who had boldly predicted he would win the title, was comprehensively beaten 3-0 by German debutant Arno Merk on Tuesday 23 December 2025.
Santa Outfit Brings No Festive Cheer for Snakebite
Wright took to the Alexandra Palace stage in a festive Santa outfit, but any hopes of Christmas cheer were swiftly extinguished. The Scot, a winner in 2020 and 2022, produced a dreadful performance, averaging a meagre 79.20. His confidence, expressed publicly before the event, proved to be wildly misplaced as Merk dominated from the outset.
The German qualifier, making his World Championship debut, was full value for his famous victory. He capitalised on Wright's numerous errors and held his nerve to secure a straight-sets win, ensuring 'Snakebite' would not be returning to Ally Pally after Christmas.
Mouth-Watering Third-Round Clash Denied
The result has major ramifications for the tournament draw, most notably denying darts fans a blockbuster third-round clash. It extinguishes the tantalising possibility of a repeat of the 2020 final between Wright and his great rival Michael van Gerwen.
The pair had been involved in a public war of words in the preceding week. Wright had suggested the Dutchman's eyesight was faltering, a claim Van Gerwen dismissed by referencing the women he dates as proof his vision is just fine. Van Gerwen remains a top contender for the title, but Wright's name is now conspicuously absent from that conversation.
Debutant Merk Stuns a Legend
An elated Arno Merk could barely contain his joy after the match. "I am stunned, I can't believe it, I just beat a legend, I am so happy," he said on stage. "I am early in my work, so I am really happy. It means everything. I am so proud to make my family proud. If I play like this I can be dangerous for anybody."
Afternoon Session Delivers Drama
The afternoon session at Alexandra Palace served up plenty of drama before Wright's shock exit:
- Jermaine Wattimena won a final-set decider against Scott Williams, who had fought back from 2-0 down to level the match.
- Callan Rydz, a quarter-finalist last year, continued his love affair with the venue by winning a classic encounter against Daryl Gurney, also in a deciding set.
- The day's play opened with Ryan Meikle producing a fine comeback, recovering from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Jonny Tata 3-2.
However, the story of the day was the remarkable fall of the flamboyant former champion, Peter Wright, whose title ambitions have been left in tatters by an inspired German newcomer.
